Tirzepatide Therapy Innovation Officially Launched in Indonesia for Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity

A new evidence-based therapy option for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity has officially arrived in Indonesia with the introduction of tirzepatide. This medical innovation is the first-in-class dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, expected to address the nation’s rising metabolic health challenges. Type 2 diabetes and obesity are closely linked conditions. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 2025, an estimated 20.4 million adults in Indonesia are living with diabetes, a figure projected to surge to 28.6 million by 2050. Meanwhile, the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) recorded that the prevalence of adult obesity has reached 23.4 percent, a significant increase that heightens the risk of serious complications such as cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease. PT Anugerah Pharmindo Lestari (APL), a Zuellig Pharma company, announced the availability of tirzepatide. Christophe Piganiol, President Director of APL, stated that this step is part of the company’s effort to bring impactful health innovations to the Indonesian public. ‘The arrival of tirzepatide is an important step in our efforts to bring impactful health innovations to the Indonesian public and ensure more patients can gain access to appropriate therapy,’ said Christophe Piganiol. The therapy’s entry into the domestic market was also supported by an efficient regulatory process. Through a fast-track evaluation pathway from the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM), this therapy can be accessed earlier by patients in need. APL is committed to collaborating with medical professional organisations and healthcare workers to ensure optimal education and distribution of this therapy. With its dual mechanism of action targeting GIP and GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide offers a more comprehensive approach to managing blood sugar levels while simultaneously aiding weight management in obese patients. The presence of this innovation is expected to improve patients’ quality of life and reduce the national health burden from non-communicable diseases in the future.