• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Eli Lilly announced on Thursday that India’s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), has approved the launch of pre-filled injector pens for its popular weight-loss drug, Mounjaro. This approval gives Lilly more flexibility to compete with Novo Nordisk’s recently introduced Wegovy in the Indian market. Since late March, Lilly has been selling Mounjaro in India for diabetes and obesity, but until now, it was only available in vials and limited to 2.5 mg and 5 mg doses.

ALSO READ: New Rules From July 1 2025: From Train Ticket Fares To ATM Withdrawals To Tatkal Bookings, Big Changes From July 1

The competition intensified after Denmark’s Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in India last Tuesday, offering multiple dose strengths along with an easy-to-use pen injector. Now, with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization’s approval, Lilly can market Mounjaro KwikPen for once-weekly use in six different dose strengths, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg, the company said in a statement.

Two Weight Loss Drug In India 

Indians now have access to two injectable therapies for obesity management, offering new hope in the fight against excess weight. Both treatments have shown significant effectiveness, with users losing between 15 percent to 20 percent of their body weight, results that are comparable to those seen with bariatric surgery.

This development is especially important as obesity rates continue to rise across the country. According to the INDIAB study, nearly 254 million people in India are currently living with obesity, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and effective treatment options.

About Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro Weight Loss Drug 

Mounjaro, also known by its chemical name Tirzepatide, is mainly prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Similar to Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, it also supports significant weight loss. Tirzepatide functions by mimicking two key hormones in the body, GIP and GLP-1, which help regulate insulin and appetite.

Mounjaro is administered as a once-weekly injection, starting at a dose of 2.5 mg. The 2.5 mg single-dose vial is priced at Rs 3,500, while the 5 mg dose costs Rs 4,375.

Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy In India 

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in India as a once-weekly injection. The launch took place on Tuesday, four months after Eli Lilly introduced its blockbuster weight-loss drug, Mounjaro, in the country. According to Vikrant Shrotriya, Novo Nordisk’s India managing director, Wegovy is currently being distributed and is expected to be available in pharmacies by the end of the month.

ALSO READ: PlayStation 6 Is Confirmed: Expected Specs Compared With PS5 And PS5 Pro, Do You Really Need The Next-Gen Console?

Wegovy will be offered in multiple dose strengths, including 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. The initial dose is priced at Rs 4,366, bringing the total monthly cost of the medication to Rs 17,345.