Tirzepatide for treating type 2 diabetes in children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years

Tirzepatide is currently in clinical development for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years when their conditions are not being controlled with metformin and/or insulin. T2D is a lifelong condition where the body’s cells become resistant to, or stop producing enough insulin, a hormone that helps to control the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. T2D is increasingly seen in younger people who are at a much higher risk of developing diabetes complications such as heart disease or damage to the kidneys, eyes or nerves, compared to older adults. Symptoms of T2D often include increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Some current treatment options for younger people have produced temporary therapeutic effect or the need for frequent dose adjustments which could result in poor adherence, hence the need for more effective longer acting therapies for this age group.