Eli Lilly brings full range of Mounjaro pen doses to India

INDIA—Eli Lilly has received approval from India’s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), to launch pre-filled injector pens of its blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide).

This approval means that all six dosage strengths of Mounjaro—2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg—will soon be available in India, providing doctors and patients with more personalized treatment options.

The new KwikPen format is a once-weekly, multi-dose, prefilled pen that delivers four fixed doses of 0.6 mL each, designed for ease of use.

Mounjaro was first launched in India in late March 2025, initially available only in 2.5 mg and 5 mg vial forms.

The introduction of the pen format is expected to strengthen Eli Lilly’s position in the Indian market, especially against Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which recently launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in India with multiple dose strengths and an easy-to-use pen device.

Both drugs belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of therapies, which help regulate blood sugar and slow digestion, promoting a feeling of fullness and aiding weight loss.

India presents a significant opportunity for weight-loss drugmakers due to the rapid rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes cases.

 According to a study published in The Lancet, India ranks among the top three countries globally for high obesity rates.

The International Diabetes Federation estimates that by 2045, over 124 million adults in India will have diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment options.

Eli Lilly has not disclosed pricing details for the Mounjaro pen in India. However, the previously launched vial forms were priced at approximately 3,500 to 4,375 Indian rupees per dose, which converts to roughly US$43 to US$54.

Monthly treatment costs at the 5 mg dosage could be around US$200, which is considerably lower than prices in the U.S., where a monthly supply can exceed US$1,000, depending on insurance coverage.

Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, activates two key hormones—GIP and GLP-1—that help control blood sugar and appetite.

Clinical trials have shown strong results, with patients losing an average of 21.8 kg at the highest dose over 72 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.

This makes Mounjaro a promising option for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or more), overweight individuals with weight-related health issues (BMI of 27 or more), and those with type 2 diabetes.

In the Indian market, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will also face competition from domestic generic drugmakers who are preparing to launch cheaper versions of Wegovy, as its active ingredient, semaglutide, is expected to lose patent protection in India in 2026.

This competitive landscape underscores the growing demand and market potential for weight-loss therapies in India, projected to be part of a US$150 billion global market by the early 2030s.

Lilly India President Winselow Tucker emphasized the significance of this approval, stating that having all six dosage options available will enable healthcare professionals to tailor treatments based on individual patient needs and clinical goals.

He also highlighted the dual challenge of obesity and type 2 diabetes as a major public health concern in India, reinforcing Lilly’s commitment to improving treatment accessibility and awareness in the country.

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