Eli Lilly, the U.S.-based pharmaceutical giant, plans to introduce its obesity and diabetes drug Tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro) in India by 2025. The company has already secured marketing authorisation for the drug’s use in treating Type 2 diabetes and obesity, with additional regulatory approvals pending.
As per Business Standard “pricing details for Tirzepatide in India are yet to be finalised, the drug will be priced competitively to ensure accessibility. “Our pricing strategy will reflect the drug’s efficacy and its value in reducing the health and economic burden of Type 2 diabetes and obesity”.
Rising Prevalence of Diabetes and Obesity in India
India faces an alarming surge in diabetes and obesity, presenting serious challenges for both individuals and the healthcare system. A recent study by Thyrocare revealed that nearly half (49.43%) of the Indian population tested showed abnormal blood glucose levels, with 27.18% classified as diabetic and 22.25% as pre-diabetic.
The findings align with a Lancet journal report indicating that in 2022, one-quarter of the world’s adults living with diabetes were in India. Similarly, the Indian Council of Medical Research (icmr) estimates the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in the country at 11.4% and 15.3%, respectively.
Addressing an Urgent Need
The rising incidence of these chronic conditions underscores the demand for effective treatments. Eli Lilly sees India as a strategic market and is committed to introducing innovative therapies to address unmet medical needs. “Tackling complex conditions like diabetes and obesity requires a multifaceted approach. We aim to collaborate with healthcare providers, policymakers, and public health organizations to build a robust ecosystem that improves awareness and health outcomes,” the spokesperson added.
Global Demand and Investments
Globally, demand for Eli Lilly’s obesity and diabetes treatments has been extraordinary, with Mounjaro sales exceeding $3.1 billion in the third quarter of 2024. To meet this growing demand, the company has invested over $20 billion since 2020 to expand and acquire manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Europe, and China. These expansions aim to ensure uninterrupted supply for current and future products.
Competitive Landscape in India
Eli Lilly is not alone in targeting the burgeoning diabetes and obesity market in India. Danish competitor Novo Nordisk is preparing to launch its obesity drug Wegovy (Semaglutide) in India by 2026. Indian companies such as Biocon, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, and Glenmark are also competing in the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) therapeutic space. Glenmark has already introduced a generic version of Liraglutide, while Sun Pharma is developing a novel molecule currently in Phase 2 trials.
The global market for GLP-1 molecules is projected to grow from $35 billion to $100 billion by 2030, creating significant opportunities for pharmaceutical companies. Biocon’s CEO Siddharth Mittal emphasized the market’s potential, noting that GLP-1 products represent a lucrative growth area, with multiple drugs in clinical trials worldwide.
As India grapples with a rising burden of diabetes and obesity, the introduction of innovative therapies like Tirzepatide could play a transformative role in improving health outcomes and addressing these pressing public health challenges.
