NEW DELHI: Pharma major Eli Lilly on Thursday announced the launch of Mounjaro – a blockbuster weight-loss drug that is a big hit in the UK, Europe and other countries already – in India.
Mounjaro, an injectable drug that aids weight loss by mimicking the effects of two natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, to regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion, leading to reduced food intake and improved insulin sensitivity, will be available in India in two doses: 2.5 mg and 5 mg.
According to a company spokesperson, while the 2.5 mg vial will be priced at Rs 3,500, the 5 mg vial will be priced at Rs 4,375. “This India-specific pricing reflects Lilly’s commitment to expanding access to innovative treatments in the country,” the company said.
Eli Lilly, along with some other pharma majors like Novo Nordisk, had applied for and received marketing authorization for sale of their popular weight loss drugs in India some time back. However, sources said the companies found it difficult to launch the products in the market due to supply constraints. “Eli Lilly will certainly have a first-mover advantage. However, the question of affordability remains,” said an expert.
Mounjaro, which will be available upon obtaining a valid prescription, in registered pharmacies in the coming weeks, is the brand name for a drug containing the active pharmaceutical ingredient called Tirzepatide.
It is a first-in-class glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 agonist, approved for both type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management as an adjunct to diet and exercise in India, and is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
“Healthcare professionals can provide optimal guidance tailored to each patient’s specific needs,” Eli Lilly said in a statement issued on Thursday.
It added that the tirzepatide shortage has been resolved. “Since 2020, Lilly has invested over $50 billion to increase production capacity,” Eli Lilly said. Earlier, many users including some celebrities were reported to be sourcing the drug from the grey market at a premium.
Mounjaro is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
Mounjaro is also indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the company said.
“The dual burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge in India. Lilly is committed to collaborating with the government and industry to promote awareness and improve the prevention and management of these diseases,” said Winselow Tucker, president and general manager, Lilly India.
According to a recent study published in The Lancet, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in India has gone up by over five times in the last 30 years – from approximately 53 million in 1990 to 235 million in 2021, claims a new study published in The Lancet. If action is not taken to curb this growing public health challenge, the study warns, the overweight or obesity prevalence in the country may go up to over 520 million (projected figure) – the second highest globally, the study claimed.
Dr Ambrish Mithal, chairman and head of endocrinology & diabetes at Max Healthcare said easy access to the new class of weight loss drugs that have shown remarkable promise is good news. However, he added, there was potential for its misuse. “My only concern—and I have voiced this repeatedly—is the potential for misuse. Those considering these drugs should only take them under the supervision of an endocrinologist or physician. Do not make the mistake of using them as a cosmetic drug or casually purchasing and injecting them. Remember, these drugs will be available only by prescription,” Dr Mithal said.