Eli Lilly launches weight-loss drug Mounjaro in India, ahead of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic

Eli Lilly and Company (India) has launched Mounjaro in a single-dose vial after receiving marketing authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). This move positions Lilly ahead of rival Novo Nordisk, whose widely popular drug Ozempic belongs to the same category, as both companies compete in the rapidly growing Indian market.

Eli Lilly says it is a first-of-its-kind treatment for obesity, overweight, and type 2 diabetes that activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors. Though the company has not revealed the price, Reuters reports Mounjaro is priced at 4,375 rupees ($50.67) for a 5 mg vial and 3,500 rupees ($40.54) for a 2.5 mg vial.

The company claims 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. "Mounjaro is also indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus."

“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,” says Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager, Lilly India. “Our mission to making life better for people living with obesity and diabetes in India is reflected in our efforts to accelerate the introduction of innovative medicines. The launch of Mounjaro demonstrates our ongoing support to this mission and our shared vision of a healthier nation.”

Tirzepatide was evaluated in two robust global clinical development programs: the SURMOUNT - 1 trials for chronic weight management and the SURPASS trials for type 2 diabetes.

Eli Lilly says India has about 101 million people living with diabetes and nearly half of these in the adult patients category are being inadequately treated with suboptimal glycemic control. Obesity, a chronic relapsing disease, is a major risk factor for diabetes, is linked to over 200 health complications, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. As of 2023, adult obesity prevalence in India stood at around 6.5%, affecting nearly 100 million people.

“Obesity and diabetes are recognised as serious conditions linked to various life-limiting health complications, making effective and sustained treatment critical. Mounjaro may offer a new approach to metabolic health management, providing healthcare providers with an innovative option to treat these diseases,” says Manish Mistry, Senior Medical Director, Lilly India.

As per the company, Mounjaro is a single molecule that selectively binds to and activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which are natural incretin hormones. "In a glucose-dependent manner, Mounjaro improves first phase and second phase insulin secretion, and reduces glucagon levels; it also improves insulin sensitivity and delays gastric emptying."

Mounjaro also claims to reduce food intake, body weight, and decreases fat mass by regulating appetite. It has been demonstrated to regulate lipid utilisation.

India’s apex drug regulating authority approved 19 new drugs in the year 2024, including Eli Lillys' Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection. The blockbuster drug, launched in the US a couple of years ago, is forecasted to reach global sales of $27 billion by 2029, overtaking Novo Nordisk‘s Ozempic (semaglutide) in the same weight loss market.

Ozempic is another widely popular medication used with diet and exercise to treat adults whose type 2 diabetes is not satisfactorily controlled. Ozempic can be used on its own in patients who cannot take metformin (another diabetes medicine). It can also be used as an ‘add-on’ to other diabetes medicines.