Mounjaro and other weight-loss drugs to be made in UAE

A US pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, has signed a deal to manufacture weight-loss drugs in the UAE. This agreement with Mubadala Bio will see the production of four of Lilly's drugs, including the popular Mounjaro, in the UAE. Mubadala Bio deputy chief executive Hamad Almarzooqi revealed that production is set to commence soon, with the drugs likely to be distributed globally.

The partnership aims to bolster the UAE's role in the global life-sciences supply chain and ensure a steady supply of innovative medicines. UAE's initiative to curb obesity rates is projected to bring a $51 billion boost to productivity, military fitness, and educational standards. Currently, around 32% of the UAE population is expected to be obese by 2031, which could decrease to 18% with increased intervention.

Researchers from Eli Lilly and market analysts Whiteshield have suggested that a reduction in obesity rates could potentially prevent diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. The UAE has also approved the use of Wegovy, another weight-loss pill, for weight loss purposes. In recent years, misuse of prescription weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro has been on the rise, often driven by social media trends and peer pressure.

Despite the global demand for essential medicines, most pharmaceutical products used in the UAE are imported. Mubadala Bio was established to tackle this issue, focusing on ensuring drug security, addressing prevalent diseases, and building a local ecosystem and expertise. The company aims to reduce dependence on imports by manufacturing essential medicines locally, ensuring they are readily available when needed.