(Image source from: REUTERS)
In just six months after it was introduced, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro has significantly impacted the pharmaceutical scene in India. This injectable medication, given once a week for managing type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss, has become the second-best selling drug in India by September, according to PharmaTrac, which tracks industry sales.
The medication, with tirzepatide as its main ingredient, had sales of Rs 80 crore in September. It surpassed the sales of the antacid brand Pan, which sold Rs 77 crore, and was just behind GlaxoSmithKline's antibiotic Augmentin, which led with sales of Rs 85 crore. The rapid rise of Mounjaro is impressive, showing a 42% increase from Rs 56 crore in August.
Mounjaro, created by the American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, gained global attention as a groundbreaking treatment for diabetes and obesity. It works in two ways, targeting two hormones, GIP and GLP-1, that help control blood sugar levels and reduce hunger, leading to significant weight loss. Launched in India in April 2024, it was approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) as a prescription-only injectable. It comes in doses of 2.5 mg and 5 mg, priced between Rs 14,000 and Rs 17,500 per month, depending on the dose. For individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity, Mounjaro is recommended along with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Doctors usually start patients on the lowest dose and increase it every four weeks, which helps explain the rise in demand. As patients progress to higher doses, sales naturally increase.
When Mounjaro hit the Indian market earlier this year, it generated a lot of excitement and interest. A report from Reuters in April mentioned that Indian doctors received numerous calls and messages from patients eager to find out where and when they could purchase the medication. For many people in India, the arrival of Mounjaro ended the long wait of relying on friends or overseas suppliers to get the drug. Its local availability brought not just convenience but also hope, especially for those dealing with obesity-related health issues. The company also got approval to sell Mounjaro in a prefilled KwikPen format, making it easier to use and likely increasing its acceptance.
The rise in obesity rates in India sets the stage for Mounjaro’s remarkable success. The country now has the third-largest number of overweight and obese individuals in the world. A recent ICMR-INDIAB study revealed that India has 254 million people with general obesity and 351 million with abdominal obesity, and these numbers are rising along with lifestyle-related health problems. This increase in obesity corresponds with a rise in type 2 diabetes, which makes India a critical market for medications like Mounjaro. Tirzepatide, the main ingredient in Mounjaro, imitates the body’s natural hormones GIP and GLP-1, which work together to help manage blood sugar levels, enhance insulin sensitivity, and decrease appetite. It slows down digestion and helps individuals feel satisfied for longer, which helps decrease calorie intake and fat buildup.
Worldwide, Mounjaro has already assisted countless people in handling diabetes and obesity, and India appears to be moving in a similar direction. Experts in the field believe the current progress might merely be the start.
Winselow Tucker, the President of Lilly India, was reported saying that Lilly is dedicated to working with the government and the industry “to raise awareness and enhance the prevention and management of these illnesses.” However, medical professionals warn that Mounjaro is not a simple solution. It should be prescribed carefully and taken under a doctor’s guidance, as stopping it suddenly or using it incorrectly can cause side effects or rapid and possibly irreversible weight gain. Still, for numerous Indians struggling with ongoing metabolic issues, Mounjaro signifies an important breakthrough, where scientific advancement, availability, and aspiration finally come together.
