Eli Lilly Launches Mounjaro in India: Price, Benefits, and Competition in Weight Loss & Diabetes Market

Eli Lilly Launches Mounjaro in India: A New Weight Loss and Diabetes Drug

Price and Availability
Eli Lilly has introduced its weight loss drug Mounjaro in India. The injectable medication, which also helps treat type-2 diabetes, will cost between ₹14,000 to ₹17,500 per month.

• 2.5 mg vial: ₹3,500
• 5 mg vial: ₹4,375
  Patients need to take this once a week.

How Mounjaro Works
Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, helps manage blood sugar, reduces hunger, and slows digestion, making people feel full for longer. It works by activating two hormone receptors: GIP and GLP-1.

Rising Demand for Weight Loss Drugs
The demand for weight loss and diabetes drugs is growing fast. According to Goldman Sachs, the market for these drugs could reach $100 billion by 2030.

Competition in the Market
Eli Lilly has a first-mover advantage, but competitors are coming soon:

• Ozempic (semaglutide), made by Novo Nordisk, will face generic versions from Indian pharma companies by 2026.
• Companies like Cipla, Dr Reddy’s, Lupin, Natco Pharma, Mankind Pharma, and Biocon are preparing cheaper alternatives.
• Sun Pharma is developing its own GLP-1 drug.

How Affordable Will It Be?
Experts say generic versions of Ozempic could be 95% cheaper than Eli Lilly’s price. This could lead to a huge increase in demand for GLP-1 drugs in India.

Diabetes and Obesity in India

• 101 million Indians have diabetes, with 40 million on medication.
• If just 0.5% of diabetes patients use Mounjaro, Eli Lilly could earn $1.5 billion annually.
• In 2021, around 180 million Indians were overweight or obese. This number may rise to 450 million by 2050.

Future of GLP-1 Drugs in India
India’s diabetes drug market was valued at ₹17,000 crore in 2024. As demand for weight loss solutions rises, experts expect rapid growth in GLP-1 medications.

Eli Lilly has not announced partnerships with local companies but says it is committed to raising awareness about obesity and diabetes in India.

Final Thoughts
With more people looking for effective weight loss treatments, Mounjaro’s launch is a big step. However, as cheaper alternatives arrive, its long-term success in India will depend on pricing and accessibility.