EU Committee Endorses Mounjaro for Children with Type 2 Diabetes

The European Medicines Agency’s committee has recommended the extension of Eli Lilly’s diabetes medication, Mounjaro, for use in children and adolescents aged 10 years and older. This pivotal decision, made on December 12, 2023, marks a significant advancement in treatment options for young patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Historically, treatment choices for children with type 2 diabetes have been limited primarily to metformin and insulin. This recommendation comes as both Eli Lilly and Danish competitor Novo Nordisk have been exploring the potential of their GLP-1 drugs in younger demographics. Notably, Novo Nordisk’s older GLP-1 medication, Victoza, is already approved for children aged 10 years and older, while its weight management drug, Wegovy, is suitable for those aged 12 and above.

Lilly’s Mounjaro, which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, is currently authorized for adults with type 2 diabetes that is not adequately controlled by existing treatments. It is also approved for weight loss in adult patients. The committee’s recommendation aims to extend Mounjaro’s use to children with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes. This can occur as a standalone treatment when metformin is deemed inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications. Alternatively, Mounjaro may be prescribed as an additional therapy alongside other diabetes medications.

The committee’s recommendation is based on data from a late-stage clinical trial that demonstrated Mounjaro’s effectiveness in helping children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 manage their blood sugar levels more effectively and achieve weight loss. This development underscores the growing recognition of the need for diverse treatment options for younger patients facing this chronic condition.

Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro has emerged as a leading option in the diabetes treatment landscape, and its potential use in children signifies an important step forward in pediatric healthcare. With the committee’s endorsement, the focus shifts to the next stages of approval and implementation, potentially offering relief to many families grappling with the challenges of managing type 2 diabetes in young patients.

As healthcare professionals and families await further developments, the emphasis remains on improving treatment outcomes for children with type 2 diabetes, ensuring they have access to effective and appropriate therapies.