Eli Lilly, a prominent US pharmaceutical company, has officially launched its revolutionary diabetes and weight-loss medication, Mounjaro, in India on March 20, 2025. This medication, chemically known as tirzepatide, has generated significant interest worldwide due to its promising effects on weight management and glucose control. The drug is available in two dosage forms: a 2.5 mg vial priced at Rs 3,500 and a 5 mg vial at Rs 4,375. These prices reflect Lilly’s commitment to making innovative treatments accessible to the Indian population.
The introduction of Mounjaro marks a critical step in addressing the rising obesity and diabetes rates plaguing India. Winselow Tucker, the President and General Manager of Lilly India, emphasized that "the dual burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge in India." With approximately 101 million people suffering from diabetes and many more facing obesity-related health issues, the demand for effective treatment options is more urgent than ever.
Mounjaro belongs to a new class of diabetes medications known as incretin mimetics, which have shown effectiveness comparable to bariatric surgery in terms of weight loss. The drug functions by activating both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors, ultimately leading to increased insulin secretion, reduced appetite, and enhanced glycemic control. According to clinical trials, participants taking Mounjaro lost an average of 21.8 kg at the highest dosage (15 mg) and 15.4 kg at the lowest (5 mg) over 72 weeks, making it a compelling option for those struggling with obesity.
Global clinical trials such as SURMOUNT-1 have consistently highlighted the efficacy of Mounjaro. In this specific trial involving 2,539 adults who were either obese or overweight, participants receiving the highest doses of the medication lost an average of 20.9% of their total body weight, compared to only 3.1% in the placebo group. Additionally, another trial, SURMOUNT-5, reaffirmed the drug’s superiority over its competitor, semaglutide, with participants losing 20.2% of their body weight, versus 13.7% with semaglutide.
However, Mounjaro does not come without its limitations. Patients are advised to combine the medication with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results. The drug is intended for individuals with a BMI of over 30, or those with a BMI of 25 to 29 who have weight-related health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Health professionals caution against its use in people with specific medical histories, including those who have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or the rare Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approved the marketing of Mounjaro after thorough evaluations, including recommendations for post-marketing studies to monitor long-term safety and efficacy across diverse populations. This commitment to ongoing research aligns with Lilly’s vision of improving healthcare in India. Tucker remarked, "Our mission of making life better for people living with obesity and diabetes in India is reflected in our efforts to accelerate the introduction of innovative medicines."
In addition to Mounjaro's introduction, the demand for weight-loss drugs is predicted to create a booming market, with global sales of obesity medications projected to reach $150 billion annually by the early 2030s. This anticipated growth comes as India experiences an exponential increase in obesity rates, rising from a reported weight management market of Rs 137 crore in November 2020 to Rs 535 crore by November 2024.
Looking forward, Mounjaro represents just one option within a wider landscape of weight-loss treatments available in India. Major competitors, such as Novo Nordisk, who introduced their own anti-obesity medication semaglutide in early 2022, have already captured significant market share. With semaglutide slated to go off patent soon, other pharmaceutical companies, including Mankind Pharma and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, are poised to explore launching generic versions to meet the burgeoning demand for weight management medications.
As awareness about obesity and diabetes continues to grow, the focus on tailored approaches for treatment will be paramount. Doctor insights suggest that along with medications like Mounjaro, a holistic approach involving lifestyle changes will be necessary to combat the escalating obesity and diabetes crisis in India.
With obesity impacting nearly 100 million people, leading to numerous health complications such as cardiovascular diseases and respiratory issues, the need for effective treatment and management strategies has never been clearer. Mounjaro’s introduction could be a pivotal shift in the clinical response to these chronic conditions.
In summary, Eli Lilly’s launch of Mounjaro in India is more than just the introduction of a new drug; it signifies a growing recognition of the urgent public health challenge posed by obesity and diabetes. As the nation continues to grapple with these issues, the availability of innovative treatments such as Mounjaro may help provide the tools necessary for both individuals and healthcare systems to move toward healthier futures.
