Eli Lilly, the US-based pharmaceutical giant, has officially launched its groundbreaking anti-diabetes and weight management drug Mounjaro in India after securing marketing authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). This comes as a major development for patients battling type 2 diabetes and obesity — two conditions that have seen an alarming rise across the country.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a revolutionary compound that works by activating two critical hormones — GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) — both of which are essential for regulating blood sugar levels and curbing appetite. This dual-action mechanism makes it highly effective not only for blood sugar control but also for significant weight loss — a major advantage for people living with obesity-related health issues.
The drug is intended for adults who fit into the following categories:
- Adults with type 2 diabetes who need better blood sugar management
- Adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher)
- Overweight adults (BMI of 27 or higher) who also suffer from weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea
It’s designed to be taken once a week as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Winselow Tucker, President of Lilly India, expressed the company’s dedication to improving healthcare outcomes in India. He emphasized that the launch of Mounjaro is part of the company’s larger commitment to support patients, raise awareness, and enhance treatment accessibility in collaboration with the government and healthcare providers.
"Our goal is to help people with obesity and diabetes live longer, healthier lives. Mounjaro represents a bold step forward in our mission to bring innovative, life-changing medicines to patients in India," Tucker stated.
The approval journey for Mounjaro in India gained momentum in July 2024, when India’s apex drug regulatory body gave the green light to tirzepatide — the same active ingredient used in Lilly’s other globally recognized weight loss drug, Zepbound.
Mounjaro’s Pricing and Availability in India
Mounjaro is a prescription-based drug, which means treatment plans must be tailored by a healthcare professional based on the patient’s medical history and specific needs. The pricing is as follows:
- 2.5 mg single-dose vial: ₹3,500
- 5 mg single-dose vial: ₹4,375
- Monthly starter dose (2.5 mg): ₹14,000
While this pricing may seem steep, particularly for long-term use, the drug’s clinical results and potential long-term benefits — such as sustained weight loss and improved blood sugar control — make it a compelling option for those struggling with chronic obesity or type 2 diabetes.
Clinical Trial Results: Impressive Global Data
Mounjaro’s effectiveness is supported by extensive, large-scale clinical trials that delivered remarkable results. Two pivotal studies stand out:
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SURMOUNT-1 (Weight Loss Study): Conducted on 2,539 adults with obesity or excess weight over 72 weeks.
- Patients on the 15 mg dose experienced an average weight loss of 21.8 kg — an unprecedented result in weight loss medication trials.
- Patients on the 5 mg dose lost 15.4 kg on average.
- By comparison, those on a placebo (dummy treatment) lost only 3.2 kg, showcasing Mounjaro’s superiority.
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SURPASS (Diabetes Control Study): Tested Mounjaro in combination with other diabetes medications over 40 weeks.
- Patients saw their HbA1c (blood sugar levels) drop by up to 2.4%, a significant improvement compared to standard treatments.
These results place Mounjaro among the most effective modern treatments for both weight loss and blood sugar regulation.
How Mounjaro Works: The Science Behind It
Mounjaro is a weekly injectable that offers multi-faceted benefits by targeting various metabolic processes. It works by:
- Boosting insulin secretion when blood sugar levels rise
- Suppressing glucagon production (a hormone that raises blood sugar)
- Improving insulin sensitivity, helping cells use glucose more effectively
- Slowing digestion, so people feel full for longer periods
- Reducing food cravings and fat storage
This multi-pronged approach not only helps control blood sugar but also promotes significant, sustainable weight loss — a game-changer for people struggling with weight-related comorbidities.
The Diabetes and Obesity Crisis in India
India is facing an alarming public health crisis driven by rising rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity:
- 101 million Indians are currently living with diabetes, and nearly half do not have their blood sugar levels under control.
- 100 million Indians are affected by obesity, which is a primary risk factor for developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and sleep apnea.
Dr. Manish Mistry, Senior Medical Director at Eli Lilly India, emphasized the growing need for more effective, long-term solutions to combat these twin epidemics.
"Obesity and diabetes are not standalone issues — they’re interconnected and fuel each other. Mounjaro offers a breakthrough alternative, especially for patients who’ve struggled to achieve success with traditional treatments," Dr. Mistry explained.
A New Era in Treatment Options for India
The launch of Mounjaro marks more than just the arrival of a new drug — it’s a new hope for millions of people struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Its dual-action mechanism, impressive clinical outcomes, and weekly dosing convenience make it a promising tool in the fight against two of India’s most pressing health challenges.
For many patients and healthcare providers, Mounjaro could redefine what’s possible in weight management and blood sugar control — offering not just better health outcomes but improved quality of life.
