GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Brands Available in India
Based on the available evidence, the GLP-1 receptor agonists currently available in India include Victoza (liraglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), Byetta (exenatide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
Available GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in India
Short-Acting GLP-1 RAs
- Exenatide (Byetta)
- Administration: Twice daily subcutaneous injection
- Dosage: 10 μg twice daily
- Primary effect: Stronger postprandial glucose control
- Half-life: 2.4 hours 1
Once-Daily GLP-1 RAs
- Liraglutide (Victoza)
Once-Weekly GLP-1 RAs
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Dual GIP and GLP-1 RA
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
- Administration: Once weekly subcutaneous injection
- Dosage: Up to 15 mg weekly
- Half-life: 5 days 1
Comparative Features
Efficacy Profile
- Glycemic Control: Semaglutide > Dulaglutide > Liraglutide > Exenatide 3
- Weight Loss: Long-acting agents generally provide greater weight loss than short-acting agents 3
- Postprandial Control: Short-acting agents (exenatide) have stronger effects on postprandial glucose 3
- Fasting Glucose Control: Long-acting agents (liraglutide, dulaglutide) have more profound effects on fasting plasma glucose 3
Administration Considerations
- Injection Frequency: Weekly options (dulaglutide, tirzepatide) offer greater convenience compared to daily (liraglutide) or twice-daily (exenatide) options 3
- Patient Compliance: In the Indian setting, liraglutide has shown superior compliance compared to exenatide 4
Side Effect Profile
- Gastrointestinal Effects: All GLP-1 RAs may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly during initiation
- Tolerability: Long-acting agents typically have better gastrointestinal tolerability profiles 5
- Hypoglycemia Risk: Low when used as monotherapy, but increased when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin 6
Clinical Considerations for Indian Patients
- Efficacy: Indian patients show similar glycemic responses to GLP-1 RAs compared to global data 4
- Weight Loss: Benefits are consistent with global findings 4
- Cost Barrier: The high cost of these medications represents a significant barrier to widespread use in India 4
- Blood Pressure: In a single-center Indian study, liraglutide reduced the need for antihypertensive medications 4
Important Caveats
- Not all GLP-1 RAs available globally may be marketed or widely available in India
- Cost considerations may limit accessibility for many patients
- Proper storage requirements (refrigeration) may present challenges in certain settings
- Gastrointestinal side effects, while typically transient, may affect adherence during initial treatment phases
- Patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should not use these medications 2
When selecting a GLP-1 RA for Indian patients, consider frequency of administration, cost, storage requirements, and individual patient factors such as the need for postprandial versus fasting glucose control.