Eli Lilly has launched its diabetes and weight-loss drug, Mounjaro, in India, making it the first to introduce the medication in the country, ahead of rival Novo Nordisk. Mounjaro, a once-weekly injection, has been approved by India’s drug regulator and is priced at 4,375 rupees ($50.67) for a 5 mg vial and 3,500 rupees ($40.54) for a 2.5 mg vial. The highest dose available is 15 mg. Patients may spend about $200 a month for a weekly 5 mg dose, which is substantially lower than its U.S. price of $1,086.37 per month.
Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is used for both diabetes management and weight loss in various regions. In the U.S. it is sold under the name Zepbound for obesity, while in the UK and Europe, it is marketed for both conditions under the Mounjaro brand. Despite this, Lilly noted that prices differ significantly across regions due to various healthcare systems, economies, and reimbursement policies.
This launch positions Lilly ahead of Novo Nordisk, which has yet to introduce its weight-loss drug Wegovy in India but aims for a 2025 launch, earlier than its previously targeted 2026. Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, and Mounjaro, both belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonists class, known for controlling blood sugar and promoting fullness.
In India, obesity and diabetes rates are rising. The number of adults with diabetes is expected to surpass 124 million by 2045, up from 74.2 million in 2021. Additionally, a 2019-2021 survey revealed that 24% of women and 23% of men between 15 and 49 were overweight or obese. Lilly’s President in India, Winselow Tucker, emphasized that the growing prevalence of these health issues makes Mounjaro a critical addition to the market.
Lilly faces competition not only from Novo Nordisk but also from local pharmaceutical companies such as Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, and Lupin, which are working on generic versions of similar drugs. As the global market for these medications is expected to reach $150 billion in the next decade, the competition for market share is intensifying.
