Pakistani Drugmaker Macter Launches New Weekly Injection for Type 2 Diabetes

Islamabad : Pakistani drugmaker Macter International Limited has launched TirzaTrim, a new treatment for type 2 diabetes, in a multidose pre-filled pen presentation, the company announced in a regulatory filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Thursday. The drug, whose active ingredient is tirzepatide, acts as a dual agonist for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. It is indicated for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, providing improved control over blood sugar levels alongside demonstrated advantages in weight loss.

Tirzepatide, first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2022 for type 2 diabetes, is administered via weekly subcutaneous injections with doses ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. Clinical studies have shown it significantly enhances glycemic control and supports weight reduction, with additional potential benefits in reducing inflammation and improving insulin sensitivity. One trial found it cut the risk of progression to type 2 diabetes by 94% in adults with pre-diabetes and obesity or overweight. Macter described the launch as a key achievement in its biotechnology and injectables lineup, strengthening its position in sophisticated drug delivery and biologics in the domestic market.

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The company, which disclosed the development under Section 96 of the Securities Act, 2015, and Clause 5.6.1(a) of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Rule Book, emphasised its focus on innovative, patient-oriented solutions and broadening the availability of international-standard treatments locally. The rollout comes as Pakistan grapples with one of the world’s highest rates of diabetes. More than 34.5 million adults in the country live with the condition, representing a prevalence of 31.4% among those aged 20-79, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

The World Health Organization has noted that Pakistan accounts for over 40% of diabetes cases in the Eastern Mediterranean region, with projections estimating the figure could climb to 70 million by 2050 if trends persist. The vast majority of cases are type 2, linked to lifestyle factors, with more than a quarter undiagnosed. Macter, a public limited company listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, ranks among the top five pharmaceutical manufacturers in Pakistan by volume.

Founded over three decades ago, it specialises in producing and marketing a range of pharmaceuticals, including branded generics and contract manufacturing for multinational firms. Its facilities handle various dosage forms such as oral solids and liquids, parenterals, topicals, metered-dose inhalers, and eye and ear drops. The firm has built a reputation for quality and serves as the country’s largest contract manufacturer