Mounjaro

Tirzepatide.

The solution for injection is a clear, colourless to slightly yellow solution.
Each multiple-dose pre-filled pen contains 4 doses of 0.6 ml solution which can be administered.
Mounjaro KwikPen solution for injection in pre-filled pen 2.5 mg/0.6 ml: Each dose (0.6 ml) contains 2.5 mg of tirzepatide.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 3 ml of solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 12.5 mg of tirzepatide in 3 ml solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 2.4 ml of solution that can be administered.
Mounjaro KwikPen solution for injection in pre-filled pen 5 mg/0.6 ml: Each dose (0.6 ml) contains 5 mg of tirzepatide.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 3 ml of solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 25 mg of tirzepatide in 3 ml solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 2.4 ml of solution that can be administered.
Mounjaro KwikPen solution for injection in pre-filled pen 7.5 mg/0.6 ml: Each dose (0.6 ml) contains 7.5 mg of tirzepatide.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 3 ml of solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 37.5 mg of tirzepatide in 3 ml solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 2.4 ml of solution that can be administered.
Mounjaro KwikPen solution for injection in pre-filled pen 10 mg/0.6 ml: Each dose (0.6 ml) contains 10 mg of tirzepatide.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 3 ml of solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 50 mg of tirzepatide in 3 ml solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 2.4 ml of solution that can be administered.
Mounjaro KwikPen solution for injection in pre-filled pen 12.5 mg/0.6 ml: Each dose (0.6 ml) contains 12.5 mg of tirzepatide.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 3 ml of solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 62.5 mg of tirzepatide in 3 ml solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 2.4 ml of solution that can be administered.
Mounjaro KwikPen solution for injection in pre-filled pen 15 mg/0.6 ml: Each dose (0.6 ml) contains 15 mg of tirzepatide.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 3 ml of solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 75 mg of tirzepatide in 3 ml solution.
Each pre-filled KwikPen contains 2.4 ml of solution that can be administered.
Excipients with known effect: Each multiple-dose pre-filled pen contains 5.4 mg Benzyl Alcohol [E1519] in each 0.6 ml dose.
Excipients/Inactive Ingredients: Sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, Sodium chloride, Concentrated hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment), Sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment), Glycerol, Phenol, Benzyl alcohol, Water for injections.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: Drugs used in diabetes, blood glucose lowering drugs, excl. insulins. ATC code: A10BX16.
Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics: Mechanism of action: Tirzepatide is a long acting dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Both receptors are present on the pancreatic α and β endocrine cells, heart, vasculature, immune cells (leukocytes), gut and kidney. GIP receptors are also present on adipocytes.
In addition, both GIP and GLP-1 receptors are expressed in the areas of the brain important to appetite regulation. Tirzepatide is highly selective to human GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Tirzepatide has high affinity to both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The activity of tirzepatide on the GIP receptor is similar to native GIP hormone. The activity of tirzepatide on the GLP-1 receptor is lower compared to native GLP-1 hormone.
Appetite regulation and energy metabolism: Tirzepatide lowers body weight and body fat mass. The mechanisms associated with body weight and body fat mass reduction involve decreased food intake through the regulation of appetite and modulation of fat utilization. Clinical studies show that tirzepatide reduces energy intake and appetite by increasing feelings of satiety (fullness), decreasing feelings of hunger, and decreasing food cravings.
Tirzepatide significantly decreased the amount of food consumed and calorie intake during ad libitum lunch, dinner and combined compared to placebo in people with obesity. Tirzepatide significantly lowered overall appetite as measured by retrospective visual analogue scale (VAS) throughout an 18-week period compared to placebo. Tirzepatide decreased hunger and prospective food consumption starting at week 1 of the treatment and increased satiety starting at week 3. Tirzepatide significantly decreased craving for fast-food fats, and sweets, carbohydrates and starches, except craving for vegetables and fruit, compared to placebo in people with obesity.
Glycaemic control: Tirzepatide improves glycaemic control by lowering fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes through several mechanisms.
Pharmacodynamic effects: Insulin secretion: Tirzepatide increases pancreatic β-cell glucose sensitivity. It enhances first- and second-phase insulin secretion in a glucose dependent manner.
In a hyperglycaemic clamp study in patients with type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide was compared to placebo and the selective GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide 1 mg for insulin secretion. Tirzepatide 15 mg enhanced the first and second-phase insulin secretion rate by 466% and 302% from baseline, respectively. There was no change in first- and second-phase insulin secretion rate for placebo.
Insulin sensitivity: Tirzepatide improves insulin sensitivity.
Tirzepatide 15 mg improved whole body insulin sensitivity by 63%, as measured by M-value, a measure of glucose tissue uptake using hyperinsulinemic euglycaemic clamp. The M-value was unchanged for placebo.
Tirzepatide lowers body weight in patients with type 2 diabetes and in patients who are overweight or have obesity, which may contribute to improvement in insulin sensitivity. Reduced food intake with tirzepatide contributes to body weight loss. The body weight reduction is mostly due to reduced fat mass.
Glucagon concentration: Tirzepatide reduced the fasting and postprandial glucagon concentrations in a glucose dependent manner. Tirzepatide 15 mg reduced fasting glucagon concentration by 28% and glucagon AUC after a mixed meal by 43%, compared with no change for placebo.
Gastric emptying: Tirzepatide delays gastric emptying which may slow post meal glucose absorption and can lead to a beneficial effect on postprandial glycaemia. Tirzepatide induced delay in gastric emptying diminishes over time.
Clinical efficacy and safety: Type 2 diabetes mellitus: The safety and efficacy of tirzepatide were evaluated in five global randomised, controlled, phase 3 studies (SURPASS 1-5) assessing glycaemic control as the primary objective. The studies involved 6263 treated patients with type 2 diabetes (4199 treated with tirzepatide). The secondary objectives included body weight, fasting serum glucose (FSG) and proportion of patients reaching target HbA1c. All five phase 3 studies assessed tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg. All patients treated with tirzepatide started with 2.5 mg for 4 weeks. Then the dose of tirzepatide was increased by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks until they reached their assigned dose.
Across all studies, treatment with tirzepatide demonstrated sustained, statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions from baseline in HbA1c as the primary objective compared to either placebo or active control treatment (semaglutide, insulin degludec and insulin glargine) for up to 1 year. In 1 study these effects were sustained for up to 2 years. Statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions from baseline in body weight were also demonstrated. Results from the phase 3 studies are presented as follows based on the on-treatment data without rescue therapy in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population consisting of all randomly assigned patients who were exposed to at least 1 dose of study treatment, excluding patients discontinuing study treatment due to inadvertent enrolment.
SURPASS 1 - Monotherapy: In a 40 week double blind placebo-controlled study, 478 patients with inadequate glycaemic control with diet and exercise, were randomised to tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly or placebo. Patients had a mean age of 54 years and 52% were men. At baseline the patients had a mean duration of diabetes of 5 years and the mean BMI was 32 kg/m². (See Table 1 and Figure 1.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

SURPASS 2 - Combination therapy with metformin: In a 40 week active-controlled open-label study, (double-blind with respect to tirzepatide dose assignment) 1879 patients were randomised to tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly or semaglutide 1 mg once weekly, all in combination with metformin. Patients had a mean age of 57 years and 47% were men. At baseline the patients had a mean duration of diabetes of 9 years and the mean BMI was 34 kg/m². (See Table 2 and Figure 2.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

SURPASS 3 - Combination therapy with metformin, with or without SGLT2i: In a 52 week active-controlled open-label study, 1444 patients were randomised to tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly or insulin degludec, all in combination with metformin with or without a SGLT2i. 32% of patients were using SGLT2i at baseline. At baseline the patients had a mean duration of diabetes of 8 years, a mean BMI of 34 kg/m², a mean age of 57 years and 56% were men. Patients treated with insulin degludec started at a dose of 10 U/day which was adjusted using an algorithm for a target fasting blood glucose of <5 mmol/L. The mean dose of insulin degludec at week 52 was 49 units/day. (See Table 3 and Figure 3.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

SURPASS 4 - Combination therapy with 1-3 oral antidiabetic medicinal products (metformin, sulphonylureas or SGLT2i): In an active-controlled open-label study of up to 104 weeks (primary endpoint at 52 weeks), 2002 patients with type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk were randomised to tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly or insulin glargine once daily on a background of metformin (95%) and/or sulphonylureas (54%) and/or SGLT2i (25%). At baseline the patients had a mean duration of diabetes of 12 years, a mean BMI of 33 kg/m², a mean age of 64 years and 63% were men. Patient treated with insulin glargine started at a dose of 10 U/day which was adjusted using an algorithm with a fasting blood glucose target of <5.6 mmol/L. The mean dose of insulin glargine at week 52 was 44 units/day. (See Table 4 and Figure 4.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

SURPASS 5 - Combination therapy with titrated basal insulin, with or without metformin: In a 40 week double-blind placebo-controlled study, 475 patients with inadequate glycaemic control using insulin glargine with or without metformin were randomised to tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly or placebo. Insulin glargine doses were adjusted utilizing an algorithm with a fasting blood glucose target of <5.6 mmol/L. At baseline the patients had a mean duration of diabetes of 13 years, a mean BMI of 33 kg/m², a mean age of 61 years and 56% were men. The overall estimated median dose of insulin glargine at baseline was 34 units/day. The median dose of insulin glargine at week 40 was 38, 36, 29 and 59 units/day for tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and placebo respectively. (See Table 5 and Figure 5.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Cardiovascular evaluation: Cardiovascular (CV) risk was assessed via a meta-analysis of patients with at least one adjudication confirmed major adverse cardiac event (MACE). The composite endpoint of MACE-4 included CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or hospitalisation for unstable angina.
In a primary meta-analysis of phase 2 and 3 registration studies in patients with type 2 diabetes, a total of 116 patients (tirzepatide: 60 [n = 4410]; all comparators: 56 [n = 2169]) experienced at least one adjudication confirmed MACE-4: The results showed that tirzepatide was not associated with excess risk for CV events compared with pooled comparators (HR: 0.81; CI: 0.52 to 1.26).
An additional analysis was conducted specifically for the SURPASS-4 study that enrolled patients with established CV disease. A total of 109 patients (tirzepatide: 47 [n = 995]; insulin glargine: 62 [n = 1000]) experienced at least one adjudication confirmed MACE-4: The results showed that tirzepatide was not associated with excess risk for CV events compared with insulin glargine (HR: 0.74; CI: 0.51 to 1.08).
Blood pressure: In the placebo-controlled phase 3 studies in patients with type 2 diabetes, treatment with tirzepatide resulted in a mean decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 6 to 9 mmHg and 3 to 4 mmHg, respectively. There was a mean decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 2 mmHg each in placebo treated patients.
Other information: Fasting serum glucose: Across SURPASS-1 to -5 trials, treatment with tirzepatide resulted in significant reductions from baseline in FSG (changes from baseline to primary end point were -2.4 mmol/L to -3.8 mmol/L). Significant reductions from baseline in FSG could be observed as early as 2 weeks. Further improvement in FSG was seen through to 42 weeks then was sustained through the longest study duration of 104 weeks.
Postprandial glucose: Across SURPASS-1 to -5 trials, treatment with tirzepatide resulted in significant reductions in mean 2 hour post prandial glucose (mean of 3 main meals of the day) from baseline (changes from baseline to primary end point were -3.35 mmol/L to -4.85 mmol/L).
Triglycerides: Across SURPASS 1-5 trials, tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg resulted in reduction in serum triglyceride of 15-19%, 18-27% and 21-25% respectively.
In the 40 week trial versus semaglutide 1 mg, tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg resulted in 19%, 24% and 25% reduction in serum triglycerides levels respectively compared to 12% reduction with semaglutide 1 mg.
Proportion of patients reaching HbA1c <5.7% without clinically significant hypoglycaemia: In the 4 studies where tirzepatide was not combined with basal insulin (SURPASS-1 to -4), 93.6% to 100% of patients who achieved a normal glycaemia of HbA1c <5.7% (≤39 mmol/mol), at the primary endpoint visit with tirzepatide treatment did so without clinically significant hypoglycaemia. In Study SURPASS-5, 85.9% of patients treated with tirzepatide who reached HbA1c <5.7% (≤39 mmol/mol) did so without clinically significant hypoglycaemia.
Weight management: The safety and efficacy of tirzepatide for weight management (weight reduction and maintenance) in combination with a reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity were evaluated in two randomized double-blinded, placebo-controlled phase 3 studies in patients without diabetes mellitus (SURMOUNT-1) and with diabetes mellitus (SURMOUNT-2). A total of 3477 patients (2519 randomized to treatment with tirzepatide) were included in the trials.
SURMOUNT-1 included a total of 2539 patients (1896 randomized to treatment with tirzepatide), while a total of 938 patients (623 randomized to treatment with tirzepatide) were included in SURMOUNT-2.
All patients treated with tirzepatide started with 2.5 mg for 4 weeks. Then the dose of tirzepatide was increased by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks until they reached their assigned dose.
In SURMOUNT-1 the dose of tirzepatide or matching placebo was escalated to 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg subcutaneously once weekly during a 20-week period followed by the maintenance period. In SURMOUNT-2, the dose of tirzepatide or matching placebo was escalated to 10 mg or 15 mg subcutaneously once weekly during a 20-week period followed by the maintenance period.
Treatment with tirzepatide demonstrated clinically meaningful, statistically significant and sustained weight reduction compared with placebo in overweight patients (BMI ≥27 kg/m² to <30 kg/m²) with at least one weight-related comorbidity and in patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²). Furthermore, across the trials, a higher proportion of patients achieved ≥5%, ≥10%, ≥15% and ≥20% weight loss with tirzepatide compared with placebo. Treatment with tirzepatide also showed improvements in waist circumference, systolic blood pressure and lipid parameters compared to placebo.
In adult patients who are overweight or with obesity, treatment with tirzepatide produced a statistically significant reduction from baseline in body weight compared to placebo. A reduction in body weight was observed with tirzepatide irrespective of age, sex, race, ethnicity, baseline BMI, and glycemic status.
SURMOUNT-1: In a 72 week double blind placebo-controlled study, 2539 adult patients with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²), or with overweight (BMI ≥27 kg/m² to <30 kg/m²) and at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as treated or untreated dyslipidaemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease, were randomised to tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly or placebo. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were excluded. Patients had a mean age of 45 years and 67.5% were women. At baseline 40.6% of patients had prediabetes. Mean baseline body weight was 104.8 kg and mean BMI was 38 kg/m².
Weight loss occurred early and continued throughout the trial. At end of treatment (week 72), the weight loss was superior and clinically meaningful compared with placebo (see Table 6 and Figure 6, showing results based on the efficacy estimand e.g. average treatment effect if participants had remained on their randomised treatment for the entire planned 72-week treatment duration). 89%, 96%, and 96% of patients in the 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg tirzepatide groups, respectively, had a body weight reduction of 5% or more at 72 weeks, as compared with 28% of patients in the placebo group (P<0.001 for all comparisons with placebo). More patients in the tirzepatide groups had reductions in body weight of 10% or more, 15% or more, and 20% or more from baseline than patients in the placebo group (P<0.001). (See Table 6 and Figure 6.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image


Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Among the patients in SURMOUNT-1 with prediabetes at baseline (N = 1032), 95.3% patients treated with tirzepatide reverted to normoglycemia at week 72, as compared with 61.9% of patients in the placebo group.
SURMOUNT-2: In a 72-week double blind placebo-controlled study, 938 adult patients with BMI ≥27 kg/m² and type 2 diabetes mellitus, were randomised to tirzepatide 10 mg or 15 mg once weekly or placebo. Patients had a mean age of 54 years and 50.7% were women. Mean baseline body weight was 100.7 kg and mean BMI was 36.1 kg/m².
Weight loss occurred early and continued throughout the trial. At end of treatment (week 72), the weight loss was superior and clinically meaningful compared with placebo (see Table 7 and Figure 7, showing results based on the efficacy estimand e.g. average treatment effect if participants had remained on their randomised treatment for the entire planned 72-week treatment duration). 81.6% and 86.4% of patients in the 10 mg, and 15 mg tirzepatide groups, respectively, had a body weight reduction of 5% or more at 72 weeks, as compared with 30.6% of patients in the placebo group (P<0.001 for all comparisons with placebo). More patients in the tirzepatide groups had reductions in body weight of 10% or more, 15% or more, and 20% or more from baseline than patients in the placebo group (P<0.001). (See Table 7 and Figure 7.)

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During the trial, treatment was permanently discontinued by 9.3% and 13.8% of patients randomised to tirzepatide 10 mg and 15 mg respectively compared to 14.9% randomised to placebo.

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Cardiovascular evaluation: An analysis was conducted for the SURMOUNT-1 study where a total of 14 patients (tirzepatide: 9 (0.47%) out of 1896; placebo: 5 (0.78%) out of 643) experienced at least one adjudication confirmed MACE. Percentages of patients with adjudication confirmed MACE were similar across placebo and tirzepatide groups.
An analysis was conducted for the SURMOUNT-2 study. A total of 11 patients (tirzepatide: 7 (1.12%) out of 623 placebo: 4 (1.27%) out of 315) experienced at least one adjudication confirmed MACE. Percentages of patients with adjudication confirmed MACE were similar across placebo and tirzepatide groups.
Blood pressure: In SURMOUNT-1 treatment with tirzepatide resulted in a mean decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 8.1 mmHg and 5.3 mmHg, respectively. There was a mean decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 1.3 mmHg and 1.0 mmHg respectively in placebo treated patients.
In SURMOUNT-2 treatment with tirzepatide resulted in a mean decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 7.2 mmHg and 2.6 mmHg, respectively. There was a mean decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 1.0 mmHg and 0.2 mmHg respectively in placebo treated patients.
Other information: Changes in body composition: Changes in body composition were evaluated in a sub-study in SURMOUNT-1 using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The results of the DEXA assessment showed that treatment with tirzepatide was accompanied by greater reduction in fat mass than in lean body mass leading to an improvement in body composition compared to placebo after 72 weeks. Furthermore, this reduction in total fat mass was accompanied by a reduction in visceral fat. These results suggest that most of the total weight loss was attributable to a reduction in fat tissue, including visceral fat.
Patient Reported Outcomes: In SURMOUNT-1 and -2, patient-reported outcomes, including aspects of physical and psychosocial functioning, were assessed via patient self-report using the Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36v2) acute form and the obesity-specific questionnaire, Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite-Clinical Trial version (IWQOL-Lite-CT).
Weight reduction with tirzepatide was accompanied by improvements in aspects of patient reported mental and physical health as assessed by the SF-36v2 acute form and IWQOL-Lite-CT in patients with obesity or overweight, with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus.
SF-36v2: In SURMOUNT-1, tirzepatide demonstrated improvements from baseline as compared to placebo in all eight domains of the SF-36v2 (Physical Functioning, Role-Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role-Emotional, and Mental Health), and the Physical Component Summary, and Mental Component Summary scores. This included a statistically significant and clinically relevant improvement from baseline for tirzepatide (pooled doses of 10 mg and 15 mg) as compared to placebo in Physical Functioning domain score (see Table 8).
In SURMOUNT-2, tirzepatide 10 and 15 mg showed improvements compared with placebo for the SF-36v2 Physical Functioning and General Health domain scores, as well as the Physical Component Summary score. The tirzepatide 15-mg group also showed an improvement compared with placebo for the Bodily Pain, Vitality, and Social Functioning domain scores.

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IWQOL-Lite-CT: Beneficial effects of tirzepatide were also demonstrated in SURMOUNT-1 and -2 in the composites (Physical Function, Physical, and Psychosocial) and the total scores of the IWQOL-Lite-CT.
Special populations: The efficacy of tirzepatide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes was not impacted by age, gender, race, ethnicity, region, or by baseline BMI, HbA1c, diabetes duration and level of renal function impairment.
The efficacy of tirzepatide for weight management was not impacted by age, gender, race, ethnicity, region, baseline BMI, or presence or absence of prediabetes.
Paediatric population: The licensing authority has deferred the obligation to submit the results of studies with Mounjaro in one or more subsets of the paediatric population for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and for weight management (see Dosage & Administration for information on paediatric use).
Pharmacokinetics: Tirzepatide is an amino acid sequence with a C20 fatty diacid moiety that enables albumin binding and prolongs half-life.
Absorption: Maximum concentration of tirzepatide is reached 8 to 72 hours post dose. Steady state exposure is achieved following 4 weeks of once weekly administration. Tirzepatide exposure increases in a dose proportional manner.
Similar exposure was achieved with subcutaneous administration of tirzepatide in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Absolute bioavailability of subcutaneous tirzepatide was 80%.
Distribution: The mean apparent steady-state volume of distribution of tirzepatide following subcutaneous administration in patients with type 2 diabetes is approximately 10.3 L, and 9.7 L in patients who are overweight or have obesity.
Tirzepatide is highly bound to plasma albumin (99%).
Biotransformation: Tirzepatide is metabolised by proteolytic cleavage of the peptide backbone, beta-oxidation of the C20 fatty diacid moiety and amide hydrolysis.
Elimination: The apparent population mean clearance of tirzepatide is approximately 0.06 L/h with an elimination half-life of approximately 5 days, enabling once weekly administration.
Tirzepatide is eliminated by metabolism. The primary excretion routes of tirzepatide metabolites are via urine and faeces. Intact tirzepatide is not observed in urine or faeces.
Special populations: Age, gender, race, ethnicity, body weight: Age, gender, race, ethnicity or body weight, do not have a clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tirzepatide.
Renal impairment: Renal impairment does not impact the PK of tirzepatide. The PK of tirzepatide after a single 5 mg dose was evaluated in patients with different degrees of renal impairment (mild, moderate, severe, ESRD) compared with subjects with normal renal function and no clinically relevant differences were observed. This was also shown for patients with both type 2 diabetes mellitus and renal impairment based on data from clinical studies.
Hepatic impairment: Hepatic impairment does not impact the PK of tirzepatide. The PK of tirzepatide after a single 5 mg dose was evaluated in patients with different degrees of hepatic impairment (mild, moderate, severe) compared with subjects with normal hepatic function and no clinically relevant differences were observed.
Paediatric population: Tirzepatide has not been studied in paediatric patients.
Toxicology: Preclinical safety data: Non-clinical data reveal no special hazards for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology or repeat-dose toxicity or genotoxicity.
A 2-year carcinogenicity study was conducted with tirzepatide in male and female rats at doses of 0.15, 0.50, and 1.5 mg/kg (0.12, 0.36, and 1.02-fold the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on AUC) administered by subcutaneous injection twice weekly. Tirzepatide caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumours (adenomas and carcinomas) at all doses compared to controls. The human relevance of these findings is unknown.
In a 6-month carcinogenicity study in rasH2 transgenic mice, tirzepatide at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg administered by subcutaneous injection twice weekly did not produce increased incidences of thyroid C-cell hyperplasia or neoplasia at any dose.
Animal studies with tirzepatide did not indicate direct harmful effects with respect to fertility.
In animal reproduction studies, tirzepatide caused foetal growth reductions and foetal abnormalities at exposures below the MRHD based on AUC. An increased incidence of external, visceral, and skeletal malformations and visceral and skeletal developmental variations were observed in rats. Foetal growth reductions were observed in rats and rabbits. All developmental effects occurred at maternally toxic doses.

Mounjaro is indicated: 1. For the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise: as monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications; in addition to other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes.
2. For weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults with an initial Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥30 kg/m² (obesity), or ≥27 kg/m² to <30 kg/m² (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes mellitus).
For study results with respect to combinations, effects on glycaemic control, weight reduction and the populations studied, see Precautions, Interactions, and Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions.

Posology: The starting dose of tirzepatide is 2.5 mg once weekly. After 4 weeks, the dose should be increased to 5 mg once weekly. If needed, dose increases can be made in 2.5 mg increments after a minimum of 4 weeks on the current dose.
The recommended maintenance doses are 5, 10 and 15 mg.
The maximum dose is 15 mg once weekly.
When tirzepatide is added to existing metformin and/or sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) therapy, the current dose of metformin and/or SGLT2i can be continued.
When tirzepatide is added to existing therapy of a sulphonylurea and/or insulin, a reduction in the dose of sulphonylurea or insulin may be considered to reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia. Blood glucose self-monitoring is necessary to adjust the dose of sulphonylurea and insulin. A stepwise approach to insulin reduction is recommended (see Precautions and Adverse Reactions).
For weight management, if patients have been unable to lose at least 5% of their initial body weight 6 months after titrating to the highest tolerated dose, a decision is required on whether to continue treatment, taking into account the benefit/risk profile in the individual patient (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
Missed doses: If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible within 4 days after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, patients can then resume their regular once weekly dosing schedule.
Changing the dosing schedule: The day of weekly administration can be changed, if necessary, as long as the time between two doses is at least 3 days.
Special populations: Elderly, gender, race, ethnicity or body weight: No dose adjustment is needed based on age, gender, race, ethnicity or body weight (see Precautions, and Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Renal impairment: No dose adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment including end stage renal disease (ESRD). Experience with the use of tirzepatide in patients with severe renal impairment and ESRD is limited. Caution should be exercised when treating these patients with tirzepatide (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment is required for patients with hepatic impairment. Experience with the use of tirzepatide in patients with severe hepatic impairment is limited. Caution should be exercised when treating these patients with tirzepatide (see Pharmacology: Pharmacokinetics under Actions).
Paediatric population: The safety and efficacy of tirzepatide in children aged less than 18 years have not yet been established. No data are available.
Method of administration: Mounjaro is to be injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
The dose can be administered at any time of day, with or without meals.
Injection sites should be rotated with each dose. If a patient also injects insulin, they should inject Mounjaro into a different injection site.
Patients should be advised to carefully read the instructions for use and the package leaflet for the pre-filled KwikPen before administering the medicinal product.
For further information before administration see Special precautions for disposal under Cautions for Usage.

In the event of overdose, appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated according to the patient's clinical signs and symptoms. Patients may experience gastrointestinal adverse reactions including nausea. There is no specific antidote for overdose of tirzepatide. A prolonged period of observation and treatment of these symptoms may be necessary, taking into account the half-life of tirzepatide (approximately 5 days).

Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in Description.

Acute pancreatitis: Tirzepatide has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis, and should be used with caution in these patients.
Acute pancreatitis has been reported in patients treated with tirzepatide.
Patients should be informed of the symptoms of acute pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, tirzepatide should be discontinued. If the diagnosis of pancreatitis is confirmed, tirzepatide should not be restarted. In the absence of other signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis, elevations in pancreatic enzymes alone are not predictive of acute pancreatitis (see Adverse Reactions).
Hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Patients receiving tirzepatide in combination with an insulin secretagogue (for example, a sulphonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. The risk of hypoglycaemia may be lowered by a reduction in the dose of the insulin secretagogue or insulin (see Dosage & Administration and Adverse Reactions).
Gastrointestinal effects: Tirzepatide has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, which include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea (see Adverse Reactions). These adverse reactions may lead to dehydration, which could lead to a deterioration in renal function including acute renal failure. Patients treated with tirzepatide should be advised of the potential risk of dehydration, due to the gastrointestinal adverse reactions and take precautions to avoid fluid depletion and electrolyte disturbances. This should particularly be considered in the elderly, who may be more susceptible to such complications.
Severe gastrointestinal disease: Tirzepatide has not been studied in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, including severe gastroparesis, and should be used with caution in these patients.
Diabetic retinopathy: Tirzepatide has not been studied in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring acute therapy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema, and should be used with caution in these patients with appropriate monitoring.
Sodium content: This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
Benzyl Alcohol [E1519]: This medicine contains 5.4 mg Benzyl Alcohol [E1519] in each 0.6 ml dose.
Benzyl alcohol may cause allergic reactions.
Patients with hepatic or renal impairment should be informed of the potential risk of metabolic acidosis due to accumulation of benzyl alcohol over time.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines: Tirzepatide has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines. When tirzepatide is used in combination with a sulphonylurea or insulin, patients should be advised to take precautions to avoid hypoglycaemia while driving and using machines (see Hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as previously mentioned).
Use in the Elderly: Only very limited data are available from patients aged ≥85 years.

Pregnancy: There are no or a limited amount of data from the use of tirzepatide in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions). Tirzepatide is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using contraception. If a patient wishes to become pregnant, tirzepatide should be discontinued at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy due to the long half-life of tirzepatide. Tirzepatide should not be used during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding: It is unknown whether tirzepatide is excreted in human milk. A risk to the newborn/infant cannot be excluded.
A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from tirzepatide therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility: The effect of tirzepatide on fertility in humans is unknown.
Animal studies with tirzepatide did not indicate direct harmful effects with respect to fertility (see Pharmacology: Toxicology: Preclinical safety data under Actions).

Summary of safety profile: Type 2 diabetes mellitus: In 7 completed phase 3 studies, 5119 patients were exposed to tirzepatide alone or in combination with other glucose lowering medicinal products. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were gastrointestinal disorders, including nausea (very common), diarrhoea (very common), constipation (common), and vomiting (common). In general, these reactions were mostly mild or moderate in severity and occurred more often during dose escalation and decreased over time (see Dosage & Administration and Precautions).
Weight management: In 2 completed phase 3 studies, 2519 patients were exposed to tirzepatide alone or in combination with other glucose lowering medicinal products. The most frequently reported adverse reactions were gastrointestinal disorders, including nausea (very common), diarrhoea (very common), constipation (very common), and vomiting (very common). In general, these reactions were mostly mild or moderate in severity and occurred more often during dose escalation and decreased over time (see Dosage & Administration and Precautions).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions: The following related adverse reactions from clinical studies are listed as follows by system organ class and in order of decreasing incidence (very common: ≥1/10; common: ≥1/100 to <1/10; uncommon: ≥1/1000 to <1/100; rare: ≥1/10000 to <1/1000; very rare: <1/10000). Within each incidence grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing frequency. (See Table 9.)

Click on icon to see table/diagram/image

Description of selected adverse reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions: Cases of anaphylactic reaction and angioedema have been rarely reported with tirzepatide during post-marketing surveillance.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with tirzepatide in the pool of type 2 diabetes mellitus placebo-controlled trials, sometimes severe (e.g., urticaria and eczema); hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 3.2% of tirzepatide-treated patients compared to 1.7% of placebo-treated patients.
Weight management: Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported with tirzepatide in the pool of weight management placebo-controlled trials, sometimes severe (e.g., dermatitis and rash); hypersensitivity reactions were reported in 5.1% of tirzepatide-treated patients compared to 3.1% of placebo-treated patients.
Hypoglycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: SURPASS 1-to-5: Clinically significant hypoglycaemia [blood glucose <3.0 mmol/L (<54 mg/dL) or severe hypoglycaemia (requiring the assistance of another person)] occurred in 10 to 14% (0.14 to 0.16 events/patient year) of patients when tirzepatide was added to sulphonylurea and in 14 to 19% (0.43 to 0.64 events/patient year) of patients when tirzepatide was added to basal insulin.
The rate of clinically significant hypoglycaemia when tirzepatide was used as monotherapy or when added to other oral antidiabetic medicinal products was up to 0.04 events/patient year (see Table 9, Dosage & Administration, Precautions, and Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
In phase 3 clinical studies, 10 (0.2%) patients reported 12 episodes of severe hypoglycaemia. Of these 10 patients, 5 (0.1%) were on a background of insulin glargine or sulphonylurea who reported 1 episode each.
SURMOUNT-2: Clinically significant hypoglycaemia [blood glucose <3.0 mmol/L (<54 mg/dL)] occurred in 4.2% of tirzepatide-treated patients versus 1.3% of placebo-treated patients.
The rate of clinically significant hypoglycaemic episodes was similar across tirzepatide 10 mg and 15 mg (4.3, and 6.1 events per 100 patient years of exposure, respectively) and the placebo-treated group (9.7 events per 100 patient years of exposure). The risk of hypoglycaemia was increased when tirzepatide was used with a sulfonylurea.
No cases of severe hypoglycaemia were reported.
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions: Type 2 diabetes mellitus: In the placebo-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus phase 3 studies, gastrointestinal disorders were dose-dependently increased for tirzepatide 5 mg (37.1%), 10 mg (39.6%) and 15 mg (43.6%) compared with placebo (20.4%). Nausea occurred in 12.2%, 15.4% and 18.3% versus 4.3% and diarrhoea in 11.8%, 13.3% and 16.2% versus 8.9% for tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg versus placebo. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions were mostly mild (74%) or moderate (23.3%) in severity. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea was higher during the dose escalation period and decreased over time.
More patients treated with tirzepatide 5 mg (3.0%), 10 mg (5.4%) and 15 mg (6.6%) discontinued permanently due to the gastrointestinal event compared with placebo (0.4%).
Weight management: In the placebo-controlled weight management phase 3 studies, gastrointestinal disorders were 55.6% for tirzepatide 5 mg, 55.8% for tirzepatide 10 mg and 55.6% for tirzepatide 15 mg compared with placebo 29.7%. Nausea occurred in 24.6%, 29.0% and 28.0% versus 8.5% and diarrhoea in 18.7%, 20.8% and 22.5% versus 7.8% for tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg versus placebo. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions were mostly mild (61.0%) or moderate (34.4%) in severity. The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea was higher during the dose escalation period and decreased over time.
More patients in the tirzepatide 5 mg (1.9%), 10 mg (3.3%) and 15 mg (4.3%) groups compared to the placebo group (0.5%) discontinued permanently due to the gastrointestinal event.
Gallbladder related disorders: Type 2 diabetes mellitus: In the placebo-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus phase 3 studies, cholelithiasis was reported in 0.3% of tirzepatide-treated patients and 0 placebo-treated patients.
Weight management: In SURMOUNT-1 and -2, acute gallbladder disease was reported by 2.0% of tirzepatide-treated patients and 1.7% of placebo-treated patients. These acute gallbladder events were positively correlated with weight reduction. The overall incidence of cholecystitis and cholecystitis acute was 0.7% and 0.2% for tirzepatide- and placebo-treated patients, respectively. Cholelithiasis was reported by 1.1% of tirzepatide-treated patients and 1.0% of placebo-treated patients.
Hair loss: Weight management: In SURMOUNT-1 and SURMOUNT-2, hair loss was reported in 4.7% of patients treated with tirzepatide and in 0.84% of patients treated with placebo. The events were mainly of mild severity and most patients recovered while on continued treatment. No tirzepatide patients discontinued drug or study due to hair loss.
Immunogenicity: There was no identified clinically significant effect of anti-tirzepatide antibodies on pharmacokinetics or effectiveness of tirzepatide.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: 5025 tirzepatide-treated patients in the type 2 diabetes mellitus phase 3 clinical studies were assessed for anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). Of these, 51.1% developed treatment-emergent (TE) ADAs during the on-treatment period. In 38.3% of the assessed patients, TE ADAs were persistent (ADAs present for a period of 16-weeks or greater). 1.9% and 2.1% had neutralizing antibodies against tirzepatide activity on the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, respectively and 0.9% and 0.4% had neutralising antibodies against native GIP and GLP-1, respectively.
Weight management: 2467 tirzepatide-treated patients in weight management phase 3 clinical studies were assessed for anti-drug antibodies (ADAs). Of these, 64.5% developed treatment-emergent (TE) ADAs during the on-treatment period. In 51.5% of the assessed patients, TE ADAs were persistent (ADAs present for a period of 16 weeks or greater). 2.8% and 2.7% had neutralizing antibodies against tirzepatide activity on the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, respectively and 0.8% and 0.1% had neutralising antibodies against native GIP and GLP-1, respectively.
Heart rate: Type 2 diabetes mellitus: In the placebo-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, phase 3 studies, treatment with tirzepatide resulted in a maximum mean increase in heart rate of 3 to 5 beats per minute. The maximum mean increase in heart rate in placebo-treated patients was 1 beat per minute.
The incidence of patients who had a change of baseline heart rate of >20 bpm for 2 or more consecutive visits was 2.1%, 3.8% and 2.9%, for tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg, respectively, compared with 2.1% for placebo.
Small mean increases in PR interval were observed with tirzepatide when compared to placebo (mean increase of 1.4 to 3.2 msec and mean decrease of 1.4 msec respectively). No difference in arrhythmia and cardiac conduction disorder treatment emergent events were observed between tirzepatide 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg and placebo (3.8%, 2.1%, 3.7% and 3% respectively).
Weight management: In the placebo-controlled weight management clinical trials, treatment with tirzepatide resulted in a mean increase in heart rate of 1 to 3 beats per minute compared to no increase in placebo-treated patients.
Injection site reactions: Type 2 diabetes mellitus: In the placebo-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus phase 3 studies, injection site reactions were 3.2% for tirzepatide compared with 0.4% for placebo.
Overall, in the phase 3 studies, the most common signs and symptoms of injection site reactions were erythema and pruritus. The maximum severity of injection site reactions for patients was mild (90%) or moderate (10%). No injection site reactions were serious.
Weight management: In the placebo-controlled weight management phase 3 studies, injection site reactions were 7.6% for tirzepatide compared with 1.8% for placebo. The most common signs and symptoms of injection site reactions were erythema and pruritus. All events were reported as mild to moderate in severity.
Pancreatic enzymes: The clinical significance of elevations in amylase or lipase with tirzepatide is unknown in the absence of other signs and symptoms of pancreatitis.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: In the placebo-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus phase 3 studies, treatment with tirzepatide resulted in mean increases from baseline in pancreatic amylase of 33% to 38% and lipase of 31% to 42%. Placebo treated patients had an increase from baseline in amylase of 4% and no changes were observed in lipase.
Weight management: In the placebo-controlled weight management clinical trials, treatment with tirzepatide resulted in mean increases from baseline in serum pancreatic amylase concentrations of 20% to 25% and serum lipase concentrations of 28% to 35%. Placebo-treated patients had a mean increase from baseline in pancreatic amylase of 2.1% and serum lipase of 5.8%.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions: Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions to the Drug Office, Department of Health.

Tirzepatide delays gastric emptying and thereby has the potential to impact the rate of absorption of concomitantly administered oral medicinal products. This effect, resulting in decreased C_max and a delayed t_max, is most pronounced at the time of tirzepatide treatment initiation.
Based on the results from a study with paracetamol, which was used as a model medicinal product to evaluate the effect of tirzepatide on gastric emptying, no dose adjustments are expected to be required for most concomitantly administered oral medicinal products. However, it is recommended to monitor patients on oral medicinal products with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., warfarin, digoxin), especially at initiation of tirzepatide treatment and following dose increase. The risk of delayed effect should also be considered for oral medicinal products for which a rapid onset of effect is of importance.
Paracetamol: No dose adjustment of paracetamol is necessary when administered with tirzepatide. Following a 5 mg single dose of tirzepatide, the maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of paracetamol was reduced by 50%, and the median (t_max) was delayed by 1 hour. The effect of tirzepatide on the oral absorption of paracetamol is dose and time dependent. At low doses (0.5 and 1.5 mg), there was only a minor change in paracetamol exposure. After four consecutive weekly doses of tirzepatide (5/5/8/10 mg), no effect on the paracetamol C_max and t_max was observed. The overall exposure (AUC) was not influenced.
Oral contraceptives: Administration of a combination oral contraceptive (0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol plus 0.25 mg norgestimate, a prodrug of norelgestromin) in the presence of a single dose of tirzepatide (5 mg) resulted in a reduction of oral contraceptive C_max and area under the curve (AUC). Ethinyl estradiol C_max was reduced by 59% and AUC by 20% with a delay in t_max of 4 hours. Norelgestromin C_max was reduced by 55% and AUC by 23% with a delay in t_max of 4.5 hours. Norgestimate C_max was reduced by 66%, and AUC by 20% with a delay in t_max of 2.5 hours. This reduction in exposure after a single dose of tirzepatide is not considered clinically relevant. No dose adjustment of oral contraceptives is required in women with normal BMI.
There is limited information about the effect of tirzepatide on the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of oral contraceptives in women with obesity or overweight. Since reduced efficacy of oral contraceptives cannot be excluded, it is advised switching to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception upon initiating tirzepatide therapy (for 4 weeks), or after each dose escalation (for 4 weeks).

Special precautions for disposal: Instructions for use: Inspect Mounjaro visually before use and discard for particulate matter or discolouration. Mounjaro that has been frozen must not be used.
The pre-filled KwikPen is for multiple-doses. Each KwikPen contains 4 doses of 0.6 ml which can be administered. Any excess solution in the pen after use should be discarded.
The instructions for using the pre-filled KwikPen, and the package leaflet, must be followed carefully.
Disposal: Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Incompatibilities: In the absence of compatibility studies this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal products.

Store in a refrigerator (2°C - 8°C).
Do not freeze.
Mounjaro may be stored unrefrigerated for up to 30 days at a temperature not above 30°C and then the pre-filled KwikPen must be discarded.
Shelf life: 12 months.

Antidiabetic Agents / Anti-Obesity Agents

A10BX16 - tirzepatide ; Belongs to the class of other blood glucose lowering drugs excluding insulins. Used in the treatment of diabetes.

P₁S₁S₃