Global pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India, a groundbreaking drug designed for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Mounjaro is now available in single-dose vials, with pricing set at Rs 3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and Rs 4,375 for a 5 mg vial. The estimated monthly cost of treatment ranges between Rs 14,000 and Rs 17,500, depending on the dosage prescribed.
Eli Lilly claims that Mounjaro is the first medication to target both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors, offering a novel approach to metabolic health management.
The drug is recommended as an adjunct to diet and exercise for chronic weight management in obese individuals (BMI >=30 kg/m2) and overweight individuals (BMI >=27 kg/m2 with weight-related conditions). Additionally, it aids in improving glycemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes.
Winselow Tucker, President & GM of Lilly India, emphasized the urgency of tackling obesity and diabetes, stating, “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.”
Tucker further added, “Our mission to make life better for people living with obesity and diabetes in India is reflected in our efforts to accelerate the introduction of innovative medicines. The launch of Mounjaro demonstrates our ongoing support for this mission and our shared vision of a healthier nation.”
Mounjaro has shown significant weight loss and blood sugar reduction in global clinical trials. In the 72-week SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults taking the highest dose of Mounjaro (15 mg) lost an average of 21.8 kg, while those on the lowest dose (5 mg) lost 15.4 kg, compared to 3.2 kg in the placebo group.
Similarly, in the SURPASS program, which examined Mounjaro’s efficacy in patients with Type 2 diabetes, the drug reduced A1C levels by up to 2.4%, whether used alone or in combination with commonly prescribed diabetes medications.
India has approximately 101 million people living with diabetes, with nearly half struggling with poor glycemic control. Additionally, obesity affects nearly 100 million adults in the country, posing a significant risk for diabetes and being linked to over 200 health complications, including hypertension, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
Dr. Manish Mistry, Senior Medical Director at Lilly India, highlighted the importance of addressing these conditions, stating, “Obesity and diabetes are recognized as serious conditions linked to various life-limiting health complications, making effective and sustained treatment critical. We are thrilled to introduce Mounjaro in India to address these unmet medical needs. Mounjaro may offer a new approach to metabolic health management, providing healthcare providers with an innovative option to treat these diseases.”
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine that binds to both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This dual action enhances insulin secretion and sensitivity, reduces glucagon levels, delays gastric emptying, and helps regulate appetite and food intake. The drug also contributes to reducing fat mass and overall body weight, making it an innovative treatment option for both diabetes and obesity.
(Inputs from ANI)