Eli Lilly Launches Mounjaro in India for Diabetes and Weight Loss
Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro in India, a once-weekly injectable drug for diabetes and weight loss, after receiving regulatory approval. It is available in 2.5 mg (₹3,500) and 5 mg (₹4,375) vials. Known as tirzepatide, it is marketed as Zepbound for obesity in the US. India faces a rising burden of diabetes (101 million cases) and obesity, leading to serious health risks.
Clinical trials show 21.8 kg weight loss (15 mg dose) over 72 weeks with diet and exercise. The drug activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors, helping regulate blood sugar and appetite. It enhances insulin sensitivity, slows digestion, and reduces fat mass. Prescribed for type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥ 30 (obese) or BMI ≥ 27 (overweight) with health conditions. Experts see it as a game-changer for India’s metabolic health crisis.
Eli Lilly Launches Mounjaro in India for Diabetes and Weight Loss
Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has officially launched its highly anticipated diabetes and weight-loss drug, Mounjaro, in India. This development follows regulatory approval and comes at a crucial time when diabetes and obesity rates in the country are rising rapidly.
Mounjaro: Pricing & Availability in India
Mounjaro is now available in India in two dosage options:
- 2.5 mg vial – ₹3,500
- 5 mg vial – ₹4,375
This once-a-week injectable medication provides an effective treatment for diabetes and obesity.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, is designed to help individuals manage both type 2 diabetes and obesity. The drug is already available in Europe and the UK under the same name. However, in the United States, it is marketed as Zepbound for obesity treatment.
Why is Mounjaro Important?
According to Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager of Lilly India, the increasing prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes is a serious public health concern in India. Currently, around 101 million people in the country are affected by these conditions, which significantly increase the risk of severe health complications, including:
- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Heart disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- High cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
With Mounjaro, Eli Lilly aims to improve health outcomes for individuals struggling with diabetes and weight-related conditions.
How Effective is Mounjaro?
Clinical trials have shown significant weight loss among participants who took Mounjaro while following a healthy diet and exercise plan:
- Patients on the highest dose (15 mg) lost an average of 21.8 kg (48 lbs) over 72 weeks.
- Patients taking the 5 mg dose lost approximately 15.4 kg (34 lbs) during the same period.
These findings highlight Mounjaro’s potential to help individuals effectively lose weight while managing their blood sugar levels.
How Does Mounjaro Work?
Mounjaro works by activating two hormone receptors in the body:
- GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)
- GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
By stimulating these receptors, Mounjaro helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, making it an effective treatment for both diabetes and obesity.
Key Benefits of Mounjaro
Mounjaro provides several important health benefits, including:
- Enhancing insulin secretion, which improves blood sugar control
- Lowering glucagon levels, a hormone that raises blood sugar
- Improving insulin sensitivity, helping the body process sugar more efficiently
- Delaying gastric emptying, which keeps you full longer and reduces hunger
- Reducing food intake, leading to fat loss and overall weight reduction
- Supporting long-term diabetes management
Who Can Use Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is recommended for:
- Adults with Type 2 diabetes who need better blood sugar control
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher (classified as obese)
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who also have at least one weight-related condition (e.g., hypertension, heart disease, or high cholesterol)
Mounjaro’s Role in India’s Health Crisis
With its dual benefits in diabetes management and weight loss, Mounjaro is expected to be a game-changer in India’s fight against metabolic diseases. As obesity and diabetes continue to rise in the country, this new treatment could help millions of people achieve better health and an improved quality of life.
