Eli Lilly Launches Mounjaro in India, Faces Competition in Obesity Drug Market
Monday, 31 March 2025, 10:58 IST
Eli Lilly & Co has launched Mounjaro, a groundbreaking anti-obesity drug, in India, marking its debut as the first treatment of its kind in the country. Priced between Rs 14,000 and Rs 17,500 per month, this once-weekly injectable is aimed at individuals dealing with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which activates the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors, helping to regulate blood sugar, suppress appetite, and slow digestion. These mechanisms make it a potent option for managing weight and diabetes.
Competitive Pricing Strategy
Mounjaro is priced significantly lower in India compared to the U.S., where it costs nearly $1,000 per month. In India, the 2.5mg and 5mg vials are priced at Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,375, respectively, reflecting Eli Lilly's commitment to making innovative treatments more accessible in a market with increasing demand for diabetes and weight-loss solutions.
Rising Competition from Global and Indian Players
Despite its competitive pricing, Mounjaro will encounter strong competition in India. The global demand for GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs is on the rise, with Goldman Sachs projecting the market to reach $100 billion by 2030. Novo Nordisk, Mounjaro's primary competitor, is set to introduce Ozempic in India, although a launch date has yet to be confirmed. Indian pharmaceutical companies like Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, Natco Pharma, Mankind Pharma, and Biocon are preparing to release generic versions of semaglutide once it goes off-patent in 2026, expected to be priced around 95% lower than Mounjaro. Additionally, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is developing its own GLP-1 drug, while other diabetes treatments, such as Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide), remain available and more affordable.
The Growing Market for Obesity and Diabetes Treatments in India
India has approximately 101 million diabetes patients, with 40 million currently receiving treatment. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports a rising obesity trend, with 180 million Indians classified as overweight or obese as of 2021. A study in The Lancet predicts this figure could reach 400 million by 2050, underscoring the need for effective treatment options. If just 0.5% of diabetes patients in India opt for Mounjaro, Eli Lilly could potentially generate around ₹1,500 crore ($180 million) in annual revenue.
Potential Side Effects of Mounjaro
While Mounjaro shows promise for weight loss and diabetes management, it may also cause side effects. Users often report gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, although these symptoms typically diminish over time. Loss of appetite, while beneficial for weight loss, may lead to nutritional deficiencies if not monitored. Serious side effects can include pancreatitis, characterized by severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, as well as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), particularly when combined with insulin or other diabetes medications. Gallbladder-related issues, such as gallstones, have also been noted, and animal studies suggest a rare risk of thyroid tumors, though this has not been confirmed in humans. Patients with a history of thyroid cancer should approach Mounjaro with caution.
The Future of India’s Obesity Drug Market
Eli Lilly has yet to announce any local partnerships for Mounjaro in India. However, the drug's global revenue surged by 60% year-over-year, reaching $333 billion in the last quarter of the year. As competition heats up and more affordable alternatives emerge, the landscape for obesity and diabetes treatments in India is poised for significant change. The introduction of generic semaglutide drugs in 2026 could transform the market, making effective weight loss and diabetes treatments more accessible to a wider population.
Competitive Pricing Strategy
Mounjaro is priced significantly lower in India compared to the U.S., where it costs nearly $1,000 per month. In India, the 2.5mg and 5mg vials are priced at Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,375, respectively, reflecting Eli Lilly's commitment to making innovative treatments more accessible in a market with increasing demand for diabetes and weight-loss solutions.
Rising Competition from Global and Indian Players
Despite its competitive pricing, Mounjaro will encounter strong competition in India. The global demand for GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs is on the rise, with Goldman Sachs projecting the market to reach $100 billion by 2030. Novo Nordisk, Mounjaro's primary competitor, is set to introduce Ozempic in India, although a launch date has yet to be confirmed. Indian pharmaceutical companies like Dr. Reddy’s, Lupin, Natco Pharma, Mankind Pharma, and Biocon are preparing to release generic versions of semaglutide once it goes off-patent in 2026, expected to be priced around 95% lower than Mounjaro. Additionally, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is developing its own GLP-1 drug, while other diabetes treatments, such as Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide), remain available and more affordable.
The Growing Market for Obesity and Diabetes Treatments in India
India has approximately 101 million diabetes patients, with 40 million currently receiving treatment. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reports a rising obesity trend, with 180 million Indians classified as overweight or obese as of 2021. A study in The Lancet predicts this figure could reach 400 million by 2050, underscoring the need for effective treatment options. If just 0.5% of diabetes patients in India opt for Mounjaro, Eli Lilly could potentially generate around ₹1,500 crore ($180 million) in annual revenue.
Potential Side Effects of Mounjaro
While Mounjaro shows promise for weight loss and diabetes management, it may also cause side effects. Users often report gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, although these symptoms typically diminish over time. Loss of appetite, while beneficial for weight loss, may lead to nutritional deficiencies if not monitored. Serious side effects can include pancreatitis, characterized by severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, as well as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), particularly when combined with insulin or other diabetes medications. Gallbladder-related issues, such as gallstones, have also been noted, and animal studies suggest a rare risk of thyroid tumors, though this has not been confirmed in humans. Patients with a history of thyroid cancer should approach Mounjaro with caution.
The Future of India’s Obesity Drug Market
Eli Lilly has yet to announce any local partnerships for Mounjaro in India. However, the drug's global revenue surged by 60% year-over-year, reaching $333 billion in the last quarter of the year. As competition heats up and more affordable alternatives emerge, the landscape for obesity and diabetes treatments in India is poised for significant change. The introduction of generic semaglutide drugs in 2026 could transform the market, making effective weight loss and diabetes treatments more accessible to a wider population.
