Eli Lilly is preparing to introduce its anti-obesity medication, Tirzepatide, in India by the upcoming year. Referred to as Zepbound in the United States for its weight-loss properties, Tirzepatide has gained recognition for its effectiveness in both disease management and weight reduction.
CEO David Ricks informed Reuters on Wednesday that the American pharmaceutical company anticipates launching Mounjaro, a prominent diabetes and obesity treatment, in India as early as next year. This move is driven by the significant market potential in India, the world’s most populous country, which faces high obesity rates, especially among women, and the second-highest prevalence of type-2 diabetes globally.
Indian pharmaceutical companies are developing their own variations of such medications, with unauthorized versions also being sold online.
Ricks expressed openness to various approaches to reach more patients, as long as they align with the company’s interests and market supply capabilities. When questioned about Lilly’s stance on authorized generic versions of drugs containing Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs, Ricks emphasized the company’s flexibility.
Mounjaro, containing Tirzepatide, is marketed in the UK and Europe under the same brand name for both conditions, while it is sold as Zepbound for weight loss in the U.S.
Lilly’s drugs, along with Novo Nordisk’s sought-after Wegovy and Ozempic, fall under the category of GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially developed to regulate blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. Their ability to slow digestion, promoting prolonged feelings of fullness, has led to their widespread popularity, creating challenges for Lilly and Novo Nordisk to meet the rising demand.
Analysts estimate the global market for these treatments to surpass $100 billion by the end of the decade.
In a related development, Novo Nordisk aims to introduce Wegovy to India in 2026. Indian generic drug manufacturers, including Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr Reddy’s, and Lupin, are already working on their versions of Wegovy. Lupin and Cipla, among others, serve as Lilly’s distributors in India for some of its older diabetes treatments.
Addressing regulatory concerns in India, Ricks suggested that the country should enhance patent protection, eliminate redundant policies, and establish a social safety net to attract more investment from global pharmaceutical companies. He emphasized that revisiting existing policies could streamline the regulatory environment, facilitating the introduction of new medicines into the market and promoting the export of innovations by local biotech companies.
Content Contributor: Rehana Sengupta
***With inputs from Reuters
