India has 100M people battling obesity—Can this weight-loss drug help?
What's the story
US-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has launched its anti-obesity drug, Mounjaro, in India.
This is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist launched by Eli Lilly in India, but similar treatments are expected to enter the market soon.
The weekly injectable drug is priced between ₹14,000 and ₹17,500 per month. In India, Mounjaro's 2.5mg and 5mg vials are priced at ₹3,500 and ₹4,375, respectively.
Drug action
How does it work?
Mounjaro, or tirzepatide, works by activating GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors.
These weight loss drugs regulate blood sugar levels better, curb hunger pangs, and slow down digestion, resulting in longer satiety.
Obesity affects approximately 100 million Indian adults and is linked to over 200 health complications, including heart disease, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
Recently, demand for GLP-1 drugs that promote weight loss has skyrocketed. The market could hit $100 billion by 2030, Goldman Sachs predicts.
Market competition
Competition and future plans for Mounjaro
While Eli Lilly enjoys a first-mover advantage with Mounjaro in India, this could change as rival semaglutide (brand name Ozempic) hits the country in 2026.
Top generic manufacturers including Cipla, Dr Reddy's, Lupin, Natco Pharma, Mankind Pharma, and Biocon are gearing up to launch cheaper alternatives of Ozempic.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is also working on its own GLP-1 drug.
Market potential
Target market and sales projections
Mounjaro is approved for weight loss in patients with or without type-2 diabetes.
Senior diabetologist Dr. Rajiv Kovil expects its usage among diabetes patients to be higher that those without, since people aren't aware of the drug. He expects 15-20% more usage among type-2 diabetes patients.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (IMCR) says there are 101 million diabetes patients in India, and if even 0.5% use Mounjaro, it could generate annual sales of $1.5 billion for Eli Lilly.
Corporate responsibility
Eli Lilly's commitment to addressing health challenges in India
Eli Lilly has not yet revealed its plans for domestic partnerships to promote Mounjaro.
Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager of Lilly India, highlighted the company's commitment to tackling health challenges in India.
"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," he said.