Russia’s Geropharm, which launched the country’s first generic version Ozempic, has received a registration certificate for another anti–obesity drug, Sejaro (tirzepatide). The new product is completely bioequivalent to Eli Lilly’s blockbuster drug Munjaro, which is protected by U.S. patent until 2036. It will enter into civil circulation in May and will cost significantly less than other Russian weight loss generic drugs, the pharmaceutical company’s press service told GxP News. This is the second drug on the Russian market with the INN tirzepatide. It followed Promomed’s registration of Tirzetta.
Sejaro is an injection pen with a solution for subcutaneous administration in six dosages (2.5; 5; 7.5; 10; 12.5 and 15 mg). The medicine can be used once a week, with a gradual dose increase.
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient, combines the properties of two hormones. This creates a double effect: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) regulates eating behavior, reducing hunger and eliminating cravings for high-calorie foods, while GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) has an immediate effect on adipose tissue, activating fat breakdown and contributing to a decrease in fat reserves in the body.
Geropharm representatives added that Sejaro is effective in abdominal visceral obesity, which is the most common form of the disease. This condition increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. In clinical trials, it demonstrated a record reduction in waist circumference, by an average of 14.6 cm, as well as a 22.5% weight loss within 72 weeks in people who do not have diabetes.
The original tyrzepatide is produced by the American company Eli Lilly. It has been approved for the treatment of type II diabetes, weight control and obesity treatment. It is not registered in Russia. In January 2025, it became known that Promomed had registered the first generic version of the original drug in the Russian Federation.
Geropharm was the first Russian company to produce its versions of foreign diabetes drugs, Ozempic and Vegovi, based on the active ingredient semaglutide. In addition, the Russian company has received official approval to conduct phase III clinical trials of GP40331 (active ingredient: semaglutide). The company intends to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the drug in overweight and obese adolescents.
Commercial sales of Ozempic analogues have more than tripled in Russia in 2024, according to the analytical company DSM Group. While experts predict a decrease in organic growth for anti-obesity drugs due to market saturation, manufacturers continue developing new drugs.
