Revolutionary Diabetes & Weight-Loss Drug Arrives in India—But Can People Afford It?

Eli Lilly has introduced Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) in India, a revolutionary diabetes and weight-loss drug that belongs to the GLP-1 (and GIP) agonist class. These drugs help regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite by mimicking key hormones. Mounjaro is considered more effective than Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) in managing both diabetes and weight loss. However, the biggest challenge is its affordability, as long-term treatment can cost over ₹2 lakh per year, making it inaccessible for most Indians.

While patent protections currently keep prices high, they are set to expire, paving the way for Indian pharmaceutical companies to develop cheaper alternatives. Since these drugs are biologics, they require biosimilars rather than exact copies, making the manufacturing process more complex. Some Indian firms, like Glenmark and Sun Pharma, are already working on cost-effective versions. With over 100 million diabetics and 70 million obese individuals in India, the demand for affordable treatment is urgent. If Indian pharmaceutical companies succeed, affordable alternatives could become available as early as 2026. Until then, these life-changing medications remain out of reach for most people.

Revolutionary Diabetes & Weight-Loss Drug Arrives in India—But Can People Afford It?

Recently, American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly introduced Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) in India, a groundbreaking injection for diabetes and weight loss. This once-weekly medication belongs to an advanced class of drugs known as GLP-1 and GIP agonists, which not only regulate blood sugar but also promote significant weight loss without drastic lifestyle changes. However, the key question remains: Can the average Indian afford such treatments?

How Do These Drugs Work?

When we eat, food is broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone, helps transport this glucose into cells for energy. In type 2 diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this can cause fatigue, persistent hunger, and weight gain.

GLP-1 and GIP are natural hormones that help manage blood sugar by stimulating insulin production, slowing digestion, and reducing appetite. Drugs like Mounjaro mimic these hormones, improving insulin efficiency and suppressing hunger. Compared to Ozempic (Semaglutide), which targets only GLP-1, Mounjaro is considered more effective as it mimics both GLP-1 and GIP.

The Challenge of High Costs

Despite their medical benefits, these drugs come at a high price. Eli Lilly has priced Mounjaro at ₹4,375 for a 5 mg dose and ₹3,500 for a 2.5 mg dose. While a single injection may seem affordable, the real concern lies in the long-term costs. For instance, losing 5 kg typically requires eight weeks of treatment, costing approximately ₹28,000. To lose 10 kg, the treatment duration doubles to 16 weeks, raising the cost to ₹56,000. Over a year, expenses could exceed ₹2 lakh—an amount unaffordable for most Indians.

Hope for More Affordable Alternatives

There is hope that these treatments will become more affordable in the future. The patent for Ozempic is set to expire in India by 2026, allowing domestic pharmaceutical companies to produce lower-cost alternatives. However, replicating these drugs is not straightforward. Unlike conventional medications, GLP-1 drugs are biologics—complex proteins derived from living cells. Instead of identical generics, Indian companies must develop “biosimilars,” which are highly similar in effectiveness and safety.

Several Indian pharmaceutical firms have already started working on alternatives. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has introduced Lirafit, a biosimilar of the GLP-1 drug Liraglutide, at ₹100 per day—70% cheaper than existing options. Sun Pharma is also developing its own molecule, GL0034, which aims to deliver comparable or improved results.

India’s Urgent Need for Solutions

With over 100 million diabetics and 70 million obese adults, India faces a major healthcare challenge. Childhood obesity is also rising, with over 14 million children classified as overweight. Affordable treatment options are critical. While Mounjaro represents a significant advancement, its high price limits accessibility. The real breakthrough will come when Indian pharmaceutical companies introduce cost-effective biosimilars, potentially by 2026.

Looking Ahead

For now, these advanced medications remain beyond reach for most Indians. However, the future looks promising. As patents expire and domestic manufacturers step in, prices are expected to decrease, making these treatments more accessible. Until then, India must rely on traditional methods—diet, exercise, and existing medications—to manage diabetes and obesity. The success of biosimilars could revolutionize healthcare, but it will require both time and innovation.

In conclusion, while drugs like Mounjaro provide new hope, affordability remains a major obstacle. The next few years will be critical as India’s pharmaceutical industry works to make these revolutionary treatments more accessible.