Weight-Loss Drug Race Heats Up in India with Mounjaro Launch

The market for weight-loss drugs is expanding in India. American drugmaker Eli Lilly launched Mounjaro recently.

This signals the arrival of powerful new treatments. Mounjaro costs ₹17,500 monthly for a 5mg dose. It has an early advantage. However, competition is expected soon. Generics could be priced much lower. Weight loss treatments are set for significant change.

Impact of Mounjaro on Obesity Treatment

Experts in obesity management have made positive comments on Monujaro. They have stated that weight-loss drugs will become a viable treatment option for patients with obesity. Earlier, surgery was the only option for severe obesity, which is hardly perceived as a disease by people in India.

What is Mounjaro A “Magical” Weight-Loss Drug?

Mounjaro is an injectable drug. It treats obesity and type 2 diabetes. It was launched in India last week.

Interestingly, its chemical name is Tirzepatide. It belongs to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone. They promote fullness and regulate blood sugar. They were Initially developed for diabetes patients, but due to their high weight-loss potential, demand has outpaced supply globally.

India has some oral weight-loss drugs. However, injectables like Mounjaro are expected to become more popular. Mounjaro can lead to significant weight reduction.

Competition for Mounjaro on the Horizon

While Mounjaro is the first of its kind, others are coming. Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide may launch in India this year. It is sold as Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo Nordisk must act fast. Semaglutide goes off-patent in India early next year.

Indian generics makers are preparing copies of semaglutide. Sun Pharmaceutical is working on its own GLP-1 drug. The global GLP-1 market is expected to reach US$100 billion by 2030.

The Potential for Weight Loss Drugs in India

India already has some weight-loss drugs. The market for these drugs was valued at ₹576 crore as of February 2025. It has grown rapidly in recent years. While oral drugs have witnessed relatively slow adoption, injectable GLP-1s are expected to perform much better. Affluent Indians have been using Mounjaro and Ozempic from overseas. This grey market has grown significantly.

Pricing and Market Expansion

Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro is priced between ₹14,000 to ₹17,500 monthly. This high price may limit initial penetration. However, even if a small percentage of diabetics use it, the company could generate significant sales. The market is expected to expand greatly when generics enter.

Who can use them?

These drugs are for clinically obese individuals. They can be prescribed by endocrinologists and qualified physicians. They are a feasible option for those reluctant to undergo bariatric surgery. These drugs could replace insulin in many obese diabetic patients.

Obesity is becoming more prevalent in India. It is a major factor in non-communicable diseases. As per various clinical studies, many diabetics in India are overweight. Doctors believe these drugs will raise more awareness and their adoption will rise dramatically.

Potential Side-Effects of Mounjaro 

Common side effects of Mounjaro include nausea and vomiting. Diarrhoea is also possible. Pancreatitis is a rare side-effect. Muscle breakdown is another concern. Patients need to take protein supplements. Usually, most people regain weight after stopping the drug.

Conclusion

Mounjaro’s launch marks a new era in weight-loss treatment in India. High initial costs may limit early use. However, the entry of cheaper generics soon could transform the market. This could make these effective drugs accessible to a larger population.

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