On the 14th, Eli Lilly's diabetes and obesity treatment 'Mounjaro (ingredient name tirzepatide)' was launched in Korea.
Eli Lilly's Korean branch, Korea Lilly, noted that the wholesaler, which has signed a supply contract with Korea Lilly, plans to distribute Mounjaro to frontline medical institutions starting on the 20th.
Therefore, it is expected that patient prescriptions at each medical institution can start as early as the 21st. However, for tertiary hospitals, additional time may be needed as they must pass the drug committee at each institution.
Mounjaro is a dual-action drug that works on both glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptors and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. The GLP-1 promotes insulin secretion, while the GIP breaks down fat cells and reduces side effects such as nausea, leading to a feeling of fullness and weight loss effects. Clinical trials confirmed that it reduced weight by up to 22.5% over 18 months.
The obesity drug Wegovy, which was launched first in Korea by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, is a GLP-1 monotherapy. Mounjaro is evaluated to have a greater weight loss effect than Wegovy.
The domestic supply price of Mounjaro ranges from 270,000 won to 520,000 won, depending on the dosage. The ex-factory prices for the initially supplied low-dose products of 2.5 mg and 5 mg are set at 278,000 won and 372,000 won, respectively. The domestic supply price for the high-dose products of 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg, with supply dates yet to be determined, has been fixed at 521,377 won.
However, when including distribution expenses, consultation fees, and prescription fees, the actual financial burden on patients may increase. Obesity treatments are not covered by insurance, so patients bear the full cost of the medication.
A representative from Korea Lilly said, "We will continue to do our best to supply the treatment to domestic type 2 diabetes and obesity patients who need Mounjaro in the fastest and most sustainable manner."
Mounjaro can only be prescribed to adult patients with type 2 diabetes, 'obese patients' with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, and overweight patients with a BMI of 27 to 30 who have hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease. The company recommends starting treatment at a dose of 2.5 mg once a week, increasing to 5 mg once a week after four weeks.
The most commonly reported side effects of both Mounjaro and Wegovy are gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Generally mild, but cases of pancreatitis, gallstones, and cholecystitis have also been reported rarely, so consultation with a doctor is essential.
In the pharmaceutical industry, there was considerable interest in whether Mounjaro would be co-distributed and sold with domestic partners; however, the company stated, "Lilly will sell directly, and distribution will primarily involve wholesalers dealing directly with Lilly," adding, "We have also strengthened our sales and marketing staff ahead of Mounjaro's launch."
Meanwhile, in the United States, diabetes treatment products are sold under the name 'Mounjaro,' while obesity treatment is sold under the name 'Zepbound.' In Korea, however, the product names have been standardized for launch.