Thu Mar 20 17:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Lilly Launches Mounjaro, a New Diabetes and Obesity Drug, in India

**NEW DELHI, March 20, 2025** – American pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly and Company launched Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a new drug for managing diabetes and obesity, in India today. The drug, approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), is available in single-dose vials.

Mounjaro works by activating both GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors. Clinical trials showed patients taking the highest dose (15mg) lost an average of 21.8 kg over 72 weeks, while those on the lowest dose (5mg) lost 15.4 kg, when combined with diet and exercise. The drug, administered once weekly, will cost between ₹14,000 and ₹17,500 per month in India, significantly lower than its approximate ₹86,000 to ₹1 lakh monthly cost in the U.S.

This pricing reflects Lilly’s commitment to increasing access to innovative treatments in India, where the demand for GLP-1 drugs is booming, creating a market worth hundreds of billions of dollars. With the key competitor semaglutide set to go off-patent next year, several Indian companies are preparing to launch generic versions.

The launch comes at a time when India faces a growing dual burden of obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Approximately 101 million Indians live with diabetes, and nearly half receive inadequate treatment. Obesity affects around 100 million adults, contributing to numerous health complications.

Lilly officials highlighted the significance of Mounjaro in addressing this public health challenge, emphasizing its potential to provide healthcare providers with a novel approach to managing metabolic health. The market for anti-obesity drugs in India has already seen substantial growth, increasing from ₹137 crore in November 2020 to ₹535 crore in November 2024. Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus currently holds a dominant 65% market share in this segment.

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