Eli Lilly launches blockbuster anti-obesity drug Mounjaro in India. Prices here

Eli Lilly's much-anticipated drug for diabetes and obesity, that competes with Ozempic globally, is now in India. Here's what you need to know

US pharma major Eli Lilly on Thursday launched the much-awaited diabetes and obesity management drug Mounjaro in India at one-fifth of US price.

 

Lilly launched the drug in a single dose vial following the marketing authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). It has been priced at Rs 3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and Rs 4,375 for a 5 mg vial.

 

The drug, usually taken once a week, would cost in the range of Rs 14,000 to Rs 17,500 for a month’s therapy depending on the dosage recommended by the doctor. The average monthly price of Mounjaro in the US is around 1000-1200 dollars a month (or Rs 86000-1 lakh).

 

 

“It is a first-of-its-kind treatment for obesity, overweight, and type 2 diabetes that activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors,” the company said.

 

“This India-specific pricing reflects Lilly’s commitment to expanding access to innovative treatments in the country,” it added. Lilly is, however, not yet going ahead with any local collaboration for marketing and distributing the drug. "We are committed to expanding access to innovative treatments in India. At this stage, we do not have any partnership announcements regarding Mounjaro (tirzepatide)," the company said. 

 

The demand for GLP-1 class of drugs to manage diabetes and obesity has shot through the roof running into hundreds of billion dollar opportunity.

 

A key drug in this class semaglutide is set to go off patent in March next year and several Indian players including Mankind Pharma, Alkem Labs, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories etc. are in fray to launch their generic versions.

 

The demand is high due to the impact on weight loss this class of drugs have.

 

Adults taking Mounjaro with diet and exercise in a controlled clinical trial lost on average 21.8 kg at the highest dose (15 mg) and 15.4 kg at the lowest dose (5 mg) over a period of 72 weeks.

 

“The dual burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge in India. Lilly is committed to collaborating with the government and industry to promote awareness and improve the prevention and management of these diseases,” said Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager, Lilly India.

 

Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide tablet, Rybelsus, launched in India in January 2022, has already captured nearly 65 per cent of the anti-obesity drugs market, which includes other weight-loss medications such as dulaglutide, orlistat, and liraglutide.

 

The market for anti-obesity drugs in India has seen exponential growth, swelling from Rs 137 crore in November 2020 to Rs 535 crore in November 2024, according to market research firm Pharmatrac.

 

“The launch of semaglutide in 2022 has been a game changer,” said Sheetal Sapale, vice-president, commercial, Pharmarack.

 

“The market has nearly quadrupled in value over the past five years.”

 

She said this surge may not be solely due to an increase in obesity cases, it also signals a greater willingness to seek medical solutions. Novo Nordisk has not yet launched the injectable form in India, but is expected to do so by 2026.

 

India has about 101 million people living with diabetes and nearly half of these in the adult patients category are being inadequately treated with suboptimal glycemic control.

 

Obesity, a chronic relapsing disease, is a major risk factor for diabetes, is linked to over 200 health complications, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. As of 2023, adult obesity prevalence in India stood at around 6.5 per cent, affecting nearly 100 million people.

 

“Obesity and diabetes are recognised as serious conditions linked to various life-limiting health complications, making effective and sustained treatment critical. Mounjaro may offer a new approach to metabolic health management, providing healthcare providers with an innovative option to treat these diseases,” said Manish Mistry, Senior Medical Director, Lilly India.

 

Doctors point out that while the medicine has significant potential for weight loss, there are side effects too.  

 

Dr. Sukhvinder Singh Saggu, Director Minimal Access, GI & Bariatric Surgery at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said: "Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India, a once-weekly injectable medication approved for managing type 2 diabetes and showing significant potential for weight loss. In India, Mounjaro is priced at ₹3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and ₹4,375 for a 5 mg vial, leading to a monthly cost between ₹14,000 and ₹17,500, depending on the prescribed dosage." 

 

"The benefits of Mounjaro include effective blood sugar control and substantial weight loss. However, users may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain. Long-term risks, though less common, can involve digestive issues, kidney problems, gallbladder issues, and pancreatitis. Given these considerations, it's crucial for individuals to consult healthcare providers to weigh the therapy's advantages and potential drawbacks, ensuring it aligns with their health needs and financial situations," he added.

 

Once-a-weekly, prescription-based medicine, Mounjaro is a single molecule that selectively binds to and activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which are natural incretin hormones.

 

In a glucose-dependent manner, Mounjaro improves first phase and second phase insulin secretion, and reduces glucagon levels. It also improves insulin sensitivity and delays gastric emptying. GIP receptors and GLP-1 receptors are both expressed in important areas of the brain that regulate appetite. Mounjaro reduces food intake, body weight, and decreases fat mass by regulating appetite. Moreover, Mounjaro has been demonstrated to regulate lipid utilization, Lilly claimed.