The miraculous weight-loss pill that was said to have helped shed 27kg has received approval for sale in Korea.

'Miracle Obesity Drug' Mountzer Approved Domestically

Eli Lilly, obtained approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

Uncertain release schedule due to supply shortages

 

 

 

Eli Lilly's 'Mounjaro,' known as a 'game changer' in the global pharmaceutical market, has received approval for domestic sales as an anti-obesity drug.

 

However, even with this approval, the domestic release schedule remains uncertain. This is because global demand has surged rapidly, leading to a supply shortage.

 

Korea Eli Lilly announced on the 1st that Mounjaro has received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as an aid for weight management.

 

In June of last year, Munjaro, which was approved as a diabetes medication, expanded its treatment area to include obesity.

 

 

The efficacy of Mounjaro is considered to surpass that of 'Wegovy,' the leading obesity medication from Novo Nordisk in the existing market.

 

In a Phase 3 clinical trial, 15 mg of Mountza was administered to adults with an average weight of 105 kg for 72 weeks, resulting in a maximum weight loss of 22.5%. In an 84-week clinical trial, the average weight reduction was 26.6%.

 

VigoBi has been reported to have approximately a 15% weight loss effect after 68 weeks of administration.

 

Vice President Kim Gye-won of Korea Eli Lilly Diabetes Division said, "Starting with the expansion of indications for Mounjaro in Korea, we will work to improve the incorrect social perception of obesity," and "We will create an environment where obese patients can receive timely diagnosis and management."

 

Average weight loss of 26% is more effective than Wellbutrin.

 

Maunzo (photo) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that promotes insulin secretion in the body, increasing satiety; it lowers blood sugar levels before and after meals and helps reduce weight.

 

Mounjaro is the only medication that exerts its effects on two targets: GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

 

 

In comparison, the existing obesity treatments from Novo Nordisk, 'Saxenda' and 'Victoza,' only activate the GLP-1 receptor.

 

This is the background of how Maunjor became at the center of the global obesity trend.

 

Originally approved as a diabetes medication, Munjaro was granted approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November last year for an expanded indication for obesity.

 

Currently sold in the United States under the name 'Zebound,' while maintaining the previous name 'Mounza' domestically.

 

The domestic release date for Maunzo is uncertain. The Hugo B, which was approved domestically in April last year, has not been launched for over a year due to chronic drug supply shortages.

 

 

Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, stated at the world's largest pharmaceutical and biotech investment event, the 2024 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, held earlier this year, that "In December of last year, Zepbound recorded 25,000 new prescriptions per week," and added, "Due to market demand exceeding expectations, supply may be insufficient this year."

 

Eli Lilly is investing billions of dollars in the United States, Europe, and other regions to resolve supply issues by continuously expanding its factories.