Could one daily pill narrow the diabetes treatment gap in the Global South?
The global management of diabetes and obesity is entering a critical shift as weekly injectable therapies make way for once-daily oral tablets. While GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have transformed metabolic care, their high prices and strict refrigeration requirements have long limited availability in developing nations. In the United States, monthly doses of Mounjaro cost roughly $500, while imported supplies in Pakistan reach $723, placing them far out of reach for ordinary patients.
Switching to oral tablets eliminates the cold-chain barrier and significantly lowers manufacturing expenses. In Pakistan—which has the world's highest diabetes prevalence at 31.4 percent—a 30-day course of locally made oral semaglutide sells for around $18, compared to $61 for local injectable tirzepatide from Getz Pharma. Endocrinologist Dr Zakir Alavi notes that these drugs alleviate broader cardiovascular and renal risks alongside weight loss. Additionally, Professor Rayaz Malik of Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar highlights research showing that losing at least 15 kilograms can reverse diabetes, making accessible daily pills a vital tool for expanding care across the Global South.
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