Eli lilly to Launch Diabetes and Obesity Drug in India in 2025
NEW DELHI: eli Lilly, the US pharmaceutical giant known for its weight-loss treatments, has announced its plan to launch the highly anticipated drug tirzepatide in India by 2025.
“India presents a promising market, with a large and growing population, rising disease burden from obesity, diabetes, and cancer, and an increasing health expenditure. A combination of all of this makes us very optimistic about the India opportunity. We are committed to bringing our next line of innovations to the country, starting with our obesity pipeline and Tirzepatide in 2025,” said Vineet Gupta, Associate VP – MD, Eli Lilly (India) in an exclusive interview.
the drug will be marketed in India under the brand name mounjaro, targeting both type 2 diabetes and obesity. Eli Lilly received marketing authorization for the drug earlier in July and is currently pursuing additional approvals ahead of the 2025 launch.
Global sales of mounjaro for Q3 2024 amounted to over $3.1 billion. Meanwhile, its Danish competitor, Novo Nordisk, which has developed the groundbreaking Wegovy, plans to introduce its product to India in 2026.
The escalating global demand for weight-loss medications has substantially increased the market value of both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk,with estimates suggesting the obesity market could surpass $100 billion in the next decade. this demand surge has prompted pharmaceutical companies to ramp up production capabilities worldwide.
In the United States,Mounjaro costs approximately $1,000 per fill,even though the actual amount a patient pays varies based on their insurance coverage. The growing demand from affluent Indians, particularly celebrities, has led to the drug being imported through unofficial channels, commonly found in the gray market at substantially lower prices than in the U.S.
Gupta noted that while the pricing for Tirzepatide in India has yet to be determined, it will be “priced competitively and appropriately,” reflecting the drug’s efficacy and the potential value it can offer in mitigating the overall health and economic burdens associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
With the launch of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly aims to expand its diabetes portfolio in India. The company has established distribution partnerships with two domestic pharmaceutical firms: for the huminsulin range with Lupin, and for Humalog and Trulicity with Cipla.
“Our strategy in India has been multifaceted since we commenced operations in 1993. We have strategic partnerships specifically for our diabetes portfolio, while we promote our non-diabetes portfolio through our own team. We are enhancing our commercial operations in readiness for these innovations,” Gupta explained.
Eli Lilly also collaborates with Gland Pharma for the contract manufacturing of human insulin vials locally.
Discussion with Experts
Guests:
- Dr. Anjali Mehra, Endocrinologist
- Rajesh Kumar, Healthcare Analyst
- Dr.Priya Sharma, Nutritionist
We invite our experts to share their thoughts on Eli Lilly’s upcoming drug launch in India.
Dr. Anjali Mehra: “The introduction of Tirzepatide could be pivotal for patients struggling with obesity and diabetes. It represents a significant advancement in treatment options available in India.”
rajesh Kumar: “This launch is not just about a new drug; it indicates a larger trend where pharmaceutical companies are recognizing the potential of the Indian market, which has been historically underserved in terms of innovative diabetes and obesity treatments.”
Dr. Priya Sharma: “We also need to consider the long-term implications of such medications. While they may provide immediate relief, lifestyle modifications remain essential for lasting health benefits.”
What are your thoughts on the introduction of Tirzepatide in India? Do you believe it will be accessible to those who need it? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Interview between Time.news Editor and Vineet gupta, Associate VP - MD, Eli Lilly (India)
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Vineet. It’s a pleasure to speak with you about Eli Lilly’s exciting plans for the Indian market, especially regarding the launch of tirzepatide.
Vineet Gupta: Thank you for having me. I’m thrilled to discuss this landmark development in our fight against obesity and diabetes in India.
Time.news Editor: To start, could you elaborate on what tirzepatide is and how it works in treating obesity and diabetes?
Vineet gupta: Absolutely. tirzepatide is a groundbreaking medication that targets both diabetes and obesity. It works by mimicking metabolic hormones, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and ultimately promote weight loss. The unique dual-action mechanism is something that we believe could revolutionize treatment approaches in these areas.
Time.news Editor: That sounds promising! Why has Eli Lilly focused on India as a launch market for tirzepatide in 2025?
Vineet Gupta: India is experiencing a important health crisis with rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and related diseases. With a large and growing population, combined with increasing healthcare expenditures, we see a unique prospect here. The market potential is enormous, and we are committed to addressing these health challenges by introducing our next line of innovations.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of challenges, what factors do you think contribute to the growing obesity and diabetes crisis in India?
Vineet Gupta: There are a multitude of factors at play. Rapid urbanization, changes in dietary patterns, and a shift toward sedentary lifestyles substantially contribute to the disease burden.Additionally, there’s an increasing prevalence of risk factors such as stress and lack of physical activity. We believe that accessible and effective treatments like tirzepatide can play a crucial role in combating these challenges.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear that thyroids of health advancements are crucial. How does Eli Lilly plan to ensure accessibility to tirzepatide for Indian patients once it’s launched?
vineet Gupta: Accessibility is a top priority for us. We plan to engage with stakeholders across the healthcare system, including doctors, hospitals, and policy-makers, to ensure that this treatment is available to those who need it most. Our aim is to provide affordable pricing options and support systems that will facilitate access for patients from all walks of life.
Time.news Editor: That’s commendable. Beyond just the launch of tirzepatide, what does Eli Lilly see as its broader role in addressing health challenges in India?
Vineet Gupta: Eli Lilly is dedicated to innovation that enhances patient outcomes. Our goal extends beyond launching a drug; we want to foster a complete approach to healthcare in India. this includes engaging in educational initiatives about obesity and diabetes, advocating for healthier lifestyles, and exploring further collaborations with local healthcare providers to improve prevention and treatment strategies.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like Eli lilly is committed in every sense. What hopeful message would you like to leave for our readers regarding the future of diabetes and obesity care in India?
Vineet Gupta: I’d like to emphasize that change is on the horizon. With innovative treatments like tirzepatide, combined with a growing awareness of health issues, we are on the path to transforming how diabetes and obesity are managed. There’s hope on the horizon for individuals struggling with these conditions, and Eli Lilly is here to be part of that journey.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Vineet, for your insights. We’re excited to see how Eli Lilly’s innovations will positively impact health care in India.
Vineet Gupta: Thank you for having me.It’s always a pleasure to share our vision and plans, and I look forward to our collective efforts in improving healthcare outcomes in India.