Eli Lilly launches blockbuster weigh-loss drug Mounjaro in India at ₹4,375 for 5 mg vial

US pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly on Thursday launched its blockbuster weigh-loss drug Mounjaro in India, beating Danish rival Novo Nordisk to tap the world’s most populous market where obesity and type 2 diabetes are surging.

Mounjaro, chemically known as tirzepatide, received marketing authorisation from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and will be available in single-dose vials. It is a dual-action treatment targeting GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors to tackle obesity, overweight conditions, and type 2 diabetes.

The US drugmaker has priced the once-weekly injection at ₹4,375 for a 5-milligram vial and ₹3,500 rupees for a 2.5-milligram dose, reported Reuters.

“The dual burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge in India,” said Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager of Lilly India. “The launch of Mounjaro reflects our commitment to accelerating access to innovative medicines and supporting India’s vision for a healthier nation.”

Mounjaro is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.

It is also indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The launch pits Lilly against Novo Nordisk in a high-stakes battle for dominance in India, a country with 101 million diabetes patients and nearly 100 million obese adults as of 2023.

Obesity, a chronic relapsing disease, is a major risk factor for diabetes and is linked to over 200 health complications, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.

Mounjaro, already a hit in the US, UK, and Europe, carries a US list price of $1,086.37 per fill, while Lilly markets it as Zepbound for obesity at $499 a month for some doses. Novo’s rival Wegovy, meanwhile, can top $1,000 monthly for uninsured US patients. In India, Novo is pushing to launch Wegovy in 2025.