Mounjaro Now for Children with Type 2 Diabetes

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended extending the use of the weight-loss jab Mounjaro to children aged ten and above who have type 2 diabetes. This landmark decision offers new therapeutic avenues for young individuals battling a condition that typically had limited treatment options, primarily metformin and insulin. Mounjaro, known for its efficacy in adults, works by mimicking natural hormones to regulate blood sugar and curb appetite.

Clinical trials published in The Lancet revealed that Mounjaro not only enhanced blood sugar management but also induced significant weight loss in children aged ten to seventeen over a 52-week period. Participants on a 10mg dose experienced an average BMI reduction of 11.2 per cent by 30 weeks, addressing the more aggressive nature of type 2 diabetes in youth.

While side effects like nausea and diarrhoea were reported, they mirrored those in adult trials, with minimal discontinuation. This recommendation arrives as obesity rates soar in children, particularly in England, where projections indicate a majority will be overweight or obese by 2035, underscoring the urgency for effective interventions.