Eli Lilly has officially launched Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) in India, making it the first major weight-loss and diabetes drug of its kind to enter the country. This move places Eli Lilly ahead of rival Novo Nordisk, whose weight-loss drug Wegovy is yet to debut in the Indian market. With India facing a dual epidemic of obesity and diabetes, the availability of Mounjaro could have significant implications for millions of patients.
- ₹4,375 ($50.67) for a 5 mg vial
- ₹3,500 ($40.54) for a 2.5 mg vial
A patient in India could spend around ₹16,000 ($200) per month if prescribed a 5 mg dose. For comparison, Mounjaro’s list price in the U.S. is $1,086.37 per month, though actual costs vary based on insurance plans.
Despite its cost, Mounjaro’s demand is expected to surge, given its dual benefits—effective blood sugar control and significant weight loss.
India is home to over 1.4 billion people, and the country is seeing a rapid rise in both obesity and diabetes (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
How does Mounjaro work?
According to Dr Manisha Arora, Director of Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, Mounjaro mimics two key hormones:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)
- Gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP)
These hormones help regulate blood sugar, control appetite, and slow digestion, making patients feel full for longer. Mounjaro’s dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors sets it apart from Ozempic (Semaglutide), which only targets GLP-1.
Like any medication, Mounjaro comes with potential risks.
“Common side effects are gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and acid reflux. In some cases, severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and acute kidney injury,” Dr Arora said.
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She added that rapid weight loss may also contribute to gallbladder-related conditions like gallstones (cholelithiasis) and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis).
Who can take Mounjaro?
Dr Arora explains that Mounjaro is suitable for:
✅ Adults with Type 2 diabetes who need better blood sugar control.
✅ Obese or overweight individuals struggling with weight loss.
✅ Patients with insulin resistance who haven’t responded well to other treatments.
These people must avoid the drug, as per Dr Arora:
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❌ Pregnant women and children.
❌ Patients with Type 1 diabetes.
❌ Individuals with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer (MEN2 syndrome).
❌ Those with severe gastrointestinal disorders.
She added that Mounjaro is strictly contraindicated for individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2) syndrome.
The global weight-loss drug market is expected to reach $150 billion in the next decade. (Source: File Photo)
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: Which is more effective?
| Feature | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) | Ozempic (Semaglutide) |
|---|---|---|
| Receptors Targeted | GLP-1 + GIP | GLP-1 only |
| Weight Loss | 20–25% of body weight | Up to 15% |
| Diabetes Control | Superior blood sugar reduction | Effective but less potent than Mounjaro |
Studies show that Mounjaro leads to up to 20 kg weight loss over 72 weeks, making it one of the most effective weight-loss treatments available today, according to Dr Arora.
Lilly vs Novo Nordisk: The battle for the Indian market
While Lilly has taken the lead with Mounjaro, Novo Nordisk is not far behind. The company confirmed that Wegovy has already been approved in India, but its launch timeline remains uncertain. Reports suggest that Novo’s India team is pushing for a 2025 launch, ahead of the global target of 2026.
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Both Wegovy and Ozempic (Semaglutide) belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of drugs, which help control blood sugar and aid in weight loss. However, Mounjaro’s additional GIP action gives it an edge in weight management.
The global weight-loss drug market is expected to reach $150 billion in the next decade. By 2026, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) will go off-patent in India, allowing local firms to introduce cheaper alternatives.
Diabetes and obesity: A growing health crisis in India
India is home to over 1.4 billion people, and the country is seeing a rapid rise in both obesity and diabetes.
Diabetes cases are projected to increase from 74.2 million in 2021 to 124 million by 2045, according to the International Diabetes Federation. A government survey, from 2019 to 2021, found that 24% of women and 23% of men (ages 15–49) are overweight or obese—a sharp increase from 2015–2016 levels (20.6% women, 19% men).
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Given these alarming figures, the entry of drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy could be a game-changer in addressing India’s public health crisis.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
