Eli Lilly and Company (India) on Thursday announced the launch of Mounjaro in single-dose vial presentation following the marketing authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
According to the company’s statement, it is a first-of-its-kind treatment for obesity, overweight, and type 2 diabetes that activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors.
“Mounjaro is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition,” the company stated. Mounjaro is priced at Rs. 4,375 ($50.67) for a 5 mg vial and Rs. 3,500 ($40.54) for a 2.5 mg vial, its lowest dose.
Mounjaro is also indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
“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,” said Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager, Lilly India. “Our mission to making 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 to this mission and our shared vision of a healthier nation.”
Tirzepatide was evaluated in two robust global clinical development programs: the SURMOUNT – 1 trials for chronic weight management and the SURPASS trials for type 2 diabetes, the company said in its statement.
India has about 101 million people living with diabetes and nearly half of these in the adult patients category are being inadequately treated with suboptimal glycemic control.10 Obesity, a chronic relapsing disease, is a major risk factor for diabetes, is linked to over 200 health complications, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, coronary heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnea. As of 2023, adult obesity prevalence in India stood at around 6.5%, affecting nearly 100 million people.
“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,” said Dr. Manish Mistry, Senior Medical Director, Lilly India.
Once-a-weekly, prescription-based medicine, Mounjaro is a single molecule that selectively binds to and activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which are natural incretin hormones, the company stated.
The drugmaker claims that Mounjaro reduces food intake, body weight, and decreases fat mass by regulating appetite; moreover, Mounjaro has been demonstrated to regulate lipid utilization. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has already had a tremendous impact on millions of people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively, it added.
