The search for effective treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity has entered a new phase with the anticipated arrival of Mounjaro in Brazil, scheduled for June 2025. Developed by Eli Lilly, the medication, powered by the active ingredient tirzepatide, promises to shake up the market by delivering results that surpass those of the widely popular Ozempic, produced by Novo Nordisk with semaglutide. Approved by Anvisa in 2023, Mounjaro will soon be available in Brazilian pharmacies after years of anticipation, backed by compelling data: studies indicate it may be up to 47% more effective in reducing body weight compared to its rival. Priced between R$ 970.07 and R$ 3,836.61, depending on dosage and regional taxes, the drug enters a market hungry for solutions that combine blood sugar control with weight loss. While Ozempic has built a global reputation, Mounjaro stands out with its dual-action mechanism, amplifying effects in the body and capturing the attention of doctors and patients alike.
Globally, the popularity of such medications has soared in recent years, particularly due to their off-label use for weight loss. Ozempic, originally launched for diabetes management, saw its sales skyrocket to 21.2 billion euros in 2023, a 92% increase from the previous year. Mounjaro, though newer, has quickly gained traction by demonstrating greater potency in clinical trials, with weight loss reaching up to 20% of initial body weight after one year of use. In Brazil, where obesity affects over 20% of adults according to IBGE data, the arrival of this new contender could ease the strain on Ozempic supplies, which have faced shortages since 2022 due to surging demand beyond its primary indication.
What sets the two drugs apart is their mechanism of action. Ozempic mimics only the GLP-1 hormone, which boosts insulin production and curbs appetite, while Mounjaro takes it a step further by combining GLP-1 with GIP, another gut hormone that enhances blood sugar control and satiety. This dual approach has sparked excitement among experts, who see the new drug as a more robust option for patients with diabetes and excess weight. As its launch nears, Brazil’s pharmaceutical market braces for a wave of interest, while patients weigh whether the benefits justify the steep price tag.
Mounjaro versus Ozempic: what studies reveal about efficacy
A study conducted by Eli Lilly directly compared tirzepatide in Mounjaro to semaglutide in Ozempic and Wegovy, the latter being Ozempic’s obesity-specific version. Involving 751 participants across the United States and Puerto Rico, the 68-week clinical trial delivered striking results. The tirzepatide group lost an average of 20.2% of their body weight, compared to 13.7% for those on semaglutide. After statistical adjustments, the data showed Mounjaro’s weight loss efficacy to be 47% higher. These findings bolster the view that Eli Lilly’s drug could set a new benchmark in obesity treatment, a condition impacting millions of Brazilians and linked to ailments like hypertension and heart disease.
Beyond weight loss, Mounjaro also excels in blood sugar management. Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that patients on varying doses of tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) reduced their A1C levels more effectively than those on Ozempic at 1 mg. After 40 weeks, most participants achieved an A1C below 7%, a critical target for diabetics. However, a higher 2 mg dose of Ozempic, approved in 2022, has yet to be pitted head-to-head against Mounjaro, leaving room for speculation about how they might compare under equal conditions.
Side effects remain a key consideration for both drugs. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common complaints, with similar intensity across the two. Yet, Mounjaro’s greater potency does not appear to significantly increase the risk of severe issues like pancreatitis or bowel obstruction, based on available data. For patients, the choice between them may hinge on individual tolerance, treatment goals, and financial constraints, as neither drug is currently provided by Brazil’s public health system, SUS.
Pricing and access: the cost of treating diabetes and obesity in Brazil
Mounjaro’s price in Brazil varies by dosage and state-level ICMS tax rates, ranging from R$ 970.07 for the starting dose to R$ 3,836.61 for higher ones. Ozempic, already established in the market, costs between R$ 994.03 and R$ 1,308.32 per pen, which covers four weekly doses. While Mounjaro may seem pricier at certain levels, its generic versions abroad—like in the U.S., where it costs around US$ 350 with delivery—hint at potential future affordability in Brazil. For now, the lack of generics and high demand keep both drugs out of reach for many.
Internationally, pricing disparities are notable. In California, a Mounjaro pen can fetch US$ 900, while in Florida it drops to US$ 300, reflecting regional and regulatory differences. In Brazil, the Chamber of Medicines Market Regulation (CMED) may tweak Mounjaro’s final prices before its debut, but initial costs are expected to limit widespread adoption. Meanwhile, Ozempic’s shortages, worsened by off-label weight loss use, have led pharmacies to implement waiting lists—a trend likely to persist into 2025, according to Infarmed.
Launch timeline: when Mounjaro reaches Brazilian pharmacies
Mounjaro’s much-anticipated arrival in Brazil follows a clear schedule. Here’s a breakdown of key dates:
- October 2023: Anvisa approves Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, though commercialization awaits further steps.
- First quarter of 2025: Initial forecast for pharmacy availability, later revised to June.
- June 7, 2025: Official launch date announced by Eli Lilly, marking Mounjaro’s entry into Brazil.
- Second half of 2025: Expected timeline for additional studies to explore approval for obesity, mirroring Zepbound’s path in the U.S.
Until now, Mounjaro access in Brazil was limited to costly and bureaucratic imports. With pharmacy sales starting, Eli Lilly aims to meet rising demand for innovative treatments, though no plans exist for SUS inclusion, keeping it a private-sector option.
Beyond the scale: additional benefits of Mounjaro
Mounjaro’s impact extends beyond weight loss and diabetes control, showing promise in broader health outcomes. Recent studies suggest tirzepatide may cut the risk of hospitalization or death by 38% in obese patients with heart failure—a significant edge over placebos. Ozempic, meanwhile, has been linked to fewer cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in high-risk groups. These findings expand the drugs’ roles, positioning them as tools for preventing severe complications, not just shedding pounds.
The dual GLP-1 and GIP action in Mounjaro also offers metabolic perks. Beyond regulating glucose and appetite, it helps maintain a steady metabolic rate, preventing muscle loss often seen in drastic diets. For type 2 diabetes patients, this translates to more consistent blood sugar levels, while weight loss seekers benefit from prolonged satiety, aiding treatment adherence. Still, experts caution against unsupervised use, which could lead to risks like malnutrition or intensified side effects.
Risks and warnings: what patients need to know
Despite their benefits, Mounjaro and Ozempic carry risks that warrant attention. A January study in JAMA Ophthalmology reported nine cases of partial vision loss tied to tirzepatide and semaglutide use. Among patients aged 37 to 77, seven developed non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare vision-impairing condition typically seen in those over 50. Researchers speculate that rapid glucose drops might strain ocular blood vessels, though a direct link remains unproven.
Other side effects include mild gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting, affecting many users. Rarer but more serious complications, such as gastroparesis and pancreatitis, have also surfaced, with comparable rates for both drugs. To reduce risks, doctors advocate for supervised use and warn against purchases from unregulated sources, where counterfeits have emerged. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly stress ongoing safety monitoring, asserting that benefits outweigh risks when used correctly.
Choosing between Mounjaro and Ozempic: key factors
Faced with these options, patients and doctors must weigh several considerations. Here’s what stands out:
- Weight loss efficacy: Mounjaro leads with up to 20% body weight reduction, versus 15% for Ozempic at standard doses.
- Blood sugar control: Both excel, but Mounjaro lowers A1C faster.
- Cost: Ozempic is slightly cheaper, while Mounjaro’s price varies widely by dose.
- Tolerance: Side effects are similar, though individual reactions may guide the choice.
- Availability: Ozempic is widely available now, while Mounjaro debuts in June 2025.
The decision hinges on specific goals—whether prioritizing weight loss or diabetes management—along with budget and bodily response. Endocrinologists emphasize tailored assessments to prevent misuse.
