Despite its competitive pricing, Mounjaro will face stiff competition in India

Eli Lilly & Co has introduced its breakthrough anti-obesity drug, Mounjaro, to the Indian market, making it the first treatment of its kind in the country. Priced between Rs 14,000 and Rs 17,500 per month, the once-weekly injectable is designed to help patients struggling with obesity and Type 2 diabetes. The drug contains tirzepatide and works by activating the GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors, helping regulate blood sugar levels, suppress appetite, and slow digestion. These mechanisms make it a powerful option for both weight management and diabetes control.

Competitive Pricing Strategy

Mounjaro has been introduced in India at a significantly lower price than in the US, where the drug costs nearly $1,000 (Rs 86,315) per month. In India, Eli Lilly has priced the 2.5mg and 5mg vials at Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,375, respectively. This pricing strategy reflects the company’s effort to expand access to innovative treatments in a market with a growing demand for diabetes and weight-loss medications.

Rising Competition from Global and Indian Players

Despite its competitive pricing, Mounjaro will face stiff competition in India. The demand for GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs has been rising globally, with Goldman Sachs estimating that the market for these medications will reach $100 billion by 2030. Novo Nordisk, Mounjaro's biggest competitor, has developed Ozempic and Wegovy, both based on semaglutide, which has shown similar weight-loss and diabetes management benefits.

Novo Nordisk is planning to introduce Ozempic in India, although an official launch timeline has not yet been disclosed.

Indian pharmaceutical giants such as Dr Reddy’s, Lupin, Natco Pharma, Mankind Pharma, and Biocon are preparing to launch generic versions of semaglutide once it goes off-patent in 2026. These generics are expected to be priced nearly 95 per cent lower than Mounjaro, making them significantly more affordable. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, India’s largest drugmaker, is also developing its own GLP-1 drug. In addition, other diabetes treatments such as Rybelsus (oral semaglutide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and insulin-based therapies remain widely available and more cost-effective than Mounjaro.

The Growing Market for Obesity and Diabetes Treatments in India

India is home to 101 million diabetes patients, with 40 million currently on medication. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), obesity is also on the rise, with 180 million Indians classified as overweight or obese as of 2021. A study published in The Lancet predicts that this number could reach 400 million by 2050, highlighting the need for effective treatment options. If just 0.5 per cent of India’s diabetes patients choose Mounjaro, Eli Lilly could generate approximately ₹1,500 crore ($180 million) in annual sales.

Potential Side Effects of Mounjaro

While Mounjaro offers promising results for weight loss and diabetes management, it also comes with potential side effects. Many users experience gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation, though these symptoms usually subside over time. Loss of appetite is another common effect, which aids weight loss but may lead to nutritional deficiencies if not managed properly.

Some individuals may develop pancreatitis, a serious condition characterized by severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. There is also a risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially when Mounjaro is taken alongside insulin or other diabetes medications. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, sweating, shakiness, and confusion.

Gallbladder-related issues, such as gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, have been reported in some patients. Additionally, animal studies have suggested a potential but rare risk of thyroid tumours, though this has not been confirmed in human trials. Patients with a history of thyroid cancer are advised to exercise caution when considering Mounjaro as a treatment option.

The Future of India’s Obesity Drug Market

Eli Lilly has not yet announced any domestic partnerships for Mounjaro in India. However, the drug's global revenue surged by 60 per cent year-over-year, reaching $333 billion in the December quarter. As the competition intensifies and more affordable alternatives become available, the landscape of obesity and diabetes treatment in India is set for a major transformation. The introduction of generic semaglutide drugs in 2026 could reshape the market, making weight loss and diabetes treatments more accessible to a broader population.