Hetero, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, successfully hosted its highly anticipated scientific symposium, Reset Diabesity, bringing together more than 300 physicians from across Kenya to address the growing burden of diabetes, obesity, and related metabolic disorders. The event marked a significant milestone in the country’s evolving approach to managing these interconnected conditions and featured the official Kenyan launch of Truglyx (semaglutide injection), Hetero’s once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Designed to foster multidisciplinary dialogue and clinical excellence, the symposium focused on the emerging concept of Diabesity the close and complex relationship between obesity, type 2 diabetes, and associated cardio-renal-metabolic complications. Truglyx was introduced as an important therapeutic option aimed at addressing both glycaemic control and weight management while supporting broader metabolic health outcomes.
The symposium was moderated by Dr. Paul Ngugi, Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at The Nairobi Hospital, and featured a distinguished faculty of leading specialists. Dr. Swaleh Breik Misfar, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist affiliated with Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa, shared insights into the cardiovascular implications of Cardio-Renal-Metabolic (CKM) syndrome, while Dr. Kirtida Acharya, Consultant Endocrinologist from National Women’s Hospital and MP Shah Hospital, explored the metabolic drivers underlying the disease continuum.
An engaging multidisciplinary panel discussion followed, featuring Dr. Miriam Murithi, Consultant Gastroenterologist, and Dr. Sood Mahamed (H.S.C.), Consultant Nephrologist, who highlighted the multisystem impact of CKM syndrome and the importance of integrated patient management.
Dr. Acharya emphasized that diabetes and obesity should not be viewed as isolated conditions but rather as manifestations of a broader metabolic dysfunction. She noted that these diseases are closely linked to several serious chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, certain cancers, and mental health disorders, many of which are influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors.
A central focus of the symposium was the introduction of Truglyx (semaglutide), Hetero’s once-weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist.
“Truglyx offers an effective therapeutic option for patients living with Diabesity by addressing both glycaemic control and weight management through a single treatment approach.”
Experts further highlighted the role of semaglutide in addressing the broader cardio- renal-metabolic disease burden. Beyond improving glycaemic control and supporting meaningful weight reduction, Truglyx has the potential to reduce cardiovascular risk, support renal health, and contribute to improved outcomes across the spectrum of interconnected metabolic disorders commonly associated with Diabesity.
Dr. Acharya also called for greater government engagement and coordinated national strategies to combat the increasing prevalence of Diabesity in Kenya. She stressed the importance of public awareness initiatives, enhanced healthcare professional training, and locally generated clinical research to improve patient outcomes and expand access to advanced therapies. In addition, she encouraged clinicians to overcome “clinical inertia” by adopting a more proactive approach to metabolic disease management before significant complications arise.
Commenting on the launch, Murali Krishna Reddy Bheemireddy, Director Marketing, Hetero, said: “With the launch of Truglyx in Kenya, we are taking another important step towards expanding access to advanced diabetes and metabolic care in emerging markets. Our focus has been on delivering a high-quality, affordable semaglutide that meets global scientific and regulatory standards while remaining practical for real-world clinical use. Through our unified product platform and strong presence across multiple regions, we remain committed to broadening access to effective therapies that improve outcomes for people living with diabetes and related metabolic disorders.”
Clinical Evidence and Outcomes
Clinical data have demonstrated that treatment with Hetero Semaglutide over 24 weeks resulted in significant and sustained improvements in glycaemic and metabolic parameters among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These included meaningful reductions in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), post-prandial glucose (PPG), and body weight, with a safety profile consistent with the established GLP-1 receptor agonist class.
