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Mint
6 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Eli Lilly to launch full-dose pen device in India as obesity drug race heats up
Just months after introducing its weight-loss drug Mounjaro in India, US-based Eli Lilly is set to roll out a more convenient, pen-filled version—escalating its rivalry with Novo Nordisk in the country's nascent but high-potential obesity drug market. The US-based drugmaker announced on Thursday that it has received market authorization from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to launch the Mounjaro KwikPen, a multi-dose, single-patient-use prefilled pen designed for once-weekly administration. Until now, the drug was only available in injectable vials, in two dosage strengths. The full dosage range will soon be available in India, the company said. 'With this approval, all six dosage options for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) will soon be available in India, supporting a more personalized approach to treatment and allowing healthcare professionals to tailor care based on individual patient needs and clinical goals,' Winselow Tucker, president and general manager, Lilly India, said in the release. A pen-device is much easier for self-administration and preferred by patients over vials, according healthcare providers. While Eli Lilly gained an early mover advantage with Mounjaro's March 2025 launch, Novo Nordisk is counting on its pen-device format and insulin market leadership to help it close the gap, its India head Vikrant Shrotriya told Mint earlier this week. Eli Lilly's Mounjaro has sold over 81,570 units in India, with cumulative sales of ₹ 23.94 crore by May 2025, according to pharma intelligence platform Pharmarack. Novo Nordisk, which launched its rival drug Wegovy in India this week, has been losing global market share to Lilly in the anti-obesity space and entered the Indian market later. Both drugmakers face a narrow window to tap into India's largely unmet demand for chronic weight-loss medication—before generics arrive. Novo Nordisk is expected to lose patent protection on semaglutide, the active compound in Wegovy, by March 2026. Leading Indian pharmaceutical companies including Dr Reddy's, Sun Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, and Cipla are reportedly preparing to launch lower-cost versions. Mounjaro is currently priced at ₹ 14,000 monthly for a 2.5 mg vial and ₹ 17,500 monthly for the 5 mg version. The company has not yet disclosed pricing for the remaining dosage options. Wegovy, also a once-weekly injectable, is being introduced in five dose levels: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. The first three are priced at ₹ 4,336 per dose or ₹ 17,345 monthly, while the 1.7 mg dose is priced at ₹ 24,280 and the 2.4 mg at ₹ 26,015 per month. The growing competition between Lilly and Novo underscores the scale of the opportunity: India is home to more than 254 million people living with obesity and over 100 million adults with diabetes. The Indian weight loss market was estimated to be $25 billion in 2024, and could double in size by 2033, according to Nuvama research. With lifestyle-related illnesses rising and awareness around medical weight management slowly increasing, both companies are racing to establish a strong foothold before prices crash and the market fragments.
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Business Standard
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
India approves Eli Lilly's Mounjaro pen for diabetes, weight control
US pharma major Eli Lilly has now received approval from India's top drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), for its Mounjaro (tirzepatide) KwikPen format. Earlier in March, the company had launched Mounjaro in injectable vial form in 2.5 mg and 5 mg strengths. What is Mounjaro KwikPen and how does it work? According to Eli Lilly, the Mounjaro KwikPen is a multi-dose, single-patient-use, prefilled pen designed for once-weekly injections. It offers a more convenient way for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity to take their medication. Mounjaro is the first and only drug that activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors—two hormones that help regulate blood sugar and appetite. In simple terms, Mounjaro helps: Improve insulin production Lower blood sugar levels Reduce body weight Control appetite All six dosage options of Mounjaro (2.5 mg to 15 mg) will soon be available in India. How does Mounjaro support weight management? The drug acts on hunger-regulating centres in the brain and slows stomach emptying, helping users feel full for longer. Clinical data show it improves fat metabolism and reduces body fat, contributing to weight loss. Who is eligible to use the Mounjaro KwikPen? The KwikPen is approved as an adjunct treatment with diet and exercise for: Adults with type 2 diabetes Adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) Overweight adults (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure or cholesterol When will Mounjaro KwikPen be available in India? While CDSCO has granted marketing authorisation, Lilly has not disclosed a launch date or pricing. The company has said this information will be announced soon. Mounjaro in vial form is priced at ₹3,500 (2.5 mg) and ₹4,375 (5 mg). Expert voices caution on long-term efficacy Speaking to Business Standard, Dr Ashish Gautam, Senior Director, Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery at Max Super Speciality Hospital, said: 'The response towards anti-obesity medication in India has been positive, but the long-term benefits are yet to be established. While the medicines show good results during usage, weight tends to come back once medication is stopped.' He added that while drugs like Mounjaro are effective during use, bariatric surgery remains a more reliable long-term option for obesity. Sales surge and new competition from Wegovy According to PharmaTrac, Mounjaro has sold over 81,570 units in India as of May, with a 60 per cent rise in sales between April and May. On Tuesday, Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk launched its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy in India. It is expected to hit pharmacies by the end of the month, according to Novo Nordisk India MD Vikrant Shrotriya. India's obesity and diabetes burden continues to grow The National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019–21) found that 24 per cent of women and 23 per cent of men aged 15–49 were overweight or obese, a sharp rise from 2015–16. The International Diabetes Federation projects that the number of adults with diabetes in India will grow from 74.2 million in 2021 to over 124 million by 2045.
Economic Times
25-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Novo Nordisk's Wegovy enters India: Can this weight loss jab beat Mounjaro? Price, who can use it & how it works
Novo Nordisk has launched Wegovy, a weight loss injection, in India, challenging Eli Lilly's Mounjaro. Available by June 2025, Wegovy contains semaglutide, mimicking a hormone to control blood sugar and reduce hunger. Priced from Rs 17,345 to Rs 26,015 monthly, it showed significant weight loss in trials. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads India's obesity market is growing fast Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads How Wegovy Works Wegovy India Price List Dose Monthly Price (Rs) Price Per Dose (Rs) 0.25 mg Rs 17,345 Rs 4,366 0.5 mg Rs 17,345 Rs 4,366 1 mg Rs 17,345 Rs 4,366 1.75 mg Rs 24,280 Rs 6,070 2.4 mg Rs 26,015 Rs 6,503 Mounjaro Dose Monthly Price (Rs) 2.5 mg Rs 14,000 5 mg Rs 17,500 Almost like weight loss surgery, but with a catch Wegovy vs Mounjaro: What's the Difference? Feature Wegovy (Semaglutide) Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) How it works Mimics GLP-1 hormone Acts on GLP-1 and GIP hormones Effect Lowers appetite, slows digestion Improves insulin and reduces appetite Approved for Weight loss Diabetes (off-label for weight loss) How to use Weekly injection via Flexpen Weekly injection via vial Price range Rs 17,345–Rs 26,015 Rs 14,000–Rs 17,500 In a big step for India's weight loss drug market, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has officially launched Wegovy , its much-talked-about weight loss injection. The company is now competing directly with Eli Lilly's popular drug, Mounjaro Wegovy is a once-a-week injection that comes in a pen-like device called FlexTouch. It's easy to use and doesn't require vials or syringes. According to Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, Vikrant Shrotriya, the drug will be available in pharmacies across India by the end of June 2025, The Times of India has one of the world's highest numbers of people struggling with weight. Around 254 million people have general obesity and over 351 million suffer from belly fat-related issues. With the anti-obesity medicine market jumping from Rs 133 crore in 2021 to Rs 576 crore today (as per PharmaTrac), Novo Nordisk sees a huge said, 'Obesity is a chronic illness and a growing problem in India. Wegovy is easy to use and will be priced specially for Indian patients.'Wegovy contains a compound called semaglutide , which mimics a natural hormone in the body. This hormone helps control blood sugar, reduce hunger, slow digestion, and make you feel full for longer. While similar drugs like Ozempic are meant for diabetes, Wegovy is approved for long-term weight comes in a FlexTouch device, allowing users to adjust their weekly dose easily. Each monthly pack includes four needles. The medicine works on brain areas that manage appetite and food to Dr V. Mohan, a well-known diabetologist, 'Semaglutide not only helps in weight loss but also improves heart and inflammation markers. It's a strong option for Indian patients dealing with both obesity and rising heart risks.'For comparison, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro is slightly cheaper:Wegovy has shown very strong results. In global studies, people lost up to 15% of their weight on average, and some even lost 20%. It also helped lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes and improved liver the results are mostly maintained only if the person continues using the drug. If stopped, weight gain can return. Doctors also warn that muscle loss may happen over time, so people need to be regularly from TOI
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Novo Nordisk's Wegovy enters India: Can this weight loss jab beat Mounjaro? Price, who can use it & how it works
In a big step for India's weight loss drug market, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has officially launched Wegovy , its much-talked-about weight loss injection. The company is now competing directly with Eli Lilly's popular drug, Mounjaro . Wegovy is a once-a-week injection that comes in a pen-like device called FlexTouch. It's easy to use and doesn't require vials or syringes. According to Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, Vikrant Shrotriya, the drug will be available in pharmacies across India by the end of June 2025, The Times of India reported. India's obesity market is growing fast India has one of the world's highest numbers of people struggling with weight. Around 254 million people have general obesity and over 351 million suffer from belly fat-related issues. With the anti-obesity medicine market jumping from Rs 133 crore in 2021 to Rs 576 crore today (as per PharmaTrac), Novo Nordisk sees a huge opportunity. Shrotriya said, 'Obesity is a chronic illness and a growing problem in India. Wegovy is easy to use and will be priced specially for Indian patients.' Live Events How Wegovy Works Wegovy contains a compound called semaglutide , which mimics a natural hormone in the body. This hormone helps control blood sugar, reduce hunger, slow digestion, and make you feel full for longer. While similar drugs like Ozempic are meant for diabetes, Wegovy is approved for long-term weight loss. It comes in a FlexTouch device, allowing users to adjust their weekly dose easily. Each monthly pack includes four needles. The medicine works on brain areas that manage appetite and food cravings. According to Dr V. Mohan, a well-known diabetologist, 'Semaglutide not only helps in weight loss but also improves heart and inflammation markers. It's a strong option for Indian patients dealing with both obesity and rising heart risks.' Wegovy India Price List Dose Monthly Price (Rs) Price Per Dose (Rs) 0.25 mg Rs 17,345 Rs 4,366 0.5 mg Rs 17,345 Rs 4,366 1 mg Rs 17,345 Rs 4,366 1.75 mg Rs 24,280 Rs 6,070 2.4 mg Rs 26,015 Rs 6,503 For comparison, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro is slightly cheaper: Mounjaro Dose Monthly Price (Rs) 2.5 mg Rs 14,000 5 mg Rs 17,500 Almost like weight loss surgery, but with a catch Wegovy has shown very strong results. In global studies, people lost up to 15% of their weight on average, and some even lost 20%. It also helped lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes and improved liver health. However, the results are mostly maintained only if the person continues using the drug. If stopped, weight gain can return. Doctors also warn that muscle loss may happen over time, so people need to be regularly monitored. Wegovy vs Mounjaro: What's the Difference? Feature Wegovy (Semaglutide) Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) How it works Mimics GLP-1 hormone Acts on GLP-1 and GIP hormones Effect Lowers appetite, slows digestion Improves insulin and reduces appetite Approved for Weight loss Diabetes (off-label for weight loss) How to use Weekly injection via Flexpen Weekly injection via vial Price range Rs 17,345–Rs 26,015 Rs 14,000–Rs 17,500 Inputs from TOI
Economic Times
25-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Weight-loss drug Wegovy starts at ₹17,345 in India
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Mumbai: Wegovy (semaglutide), the popular weight-loss drug from Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk , is priced between Rs 17,345 and Rs 26,015 across dosages in India. The company announced at its launch that the easy-to-administer once-a-weekly pen-filled injectable will have the advantage of convenient drug will be available in five dosing strengths (0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.7 and 2.4 mg) and will be prescribed for long-term chronic weight management and reduction in risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).Vikrant Shrotriya, MD, Novo Nordisk India, said obesity is a chronic disease and a national epidemic. "Wegovy is a transformative therapeutic solution with the convenience of a world-class, state-of-the-art pen device," he Mithal, chairman and head, endocrinology and diabetes, Max Healthcare , said although the price of Wegovy is not within the reach of the Indian masses, the potential for the drug is time, he said, the cardiovascular benefit of Wegovy 2.4 mg is an important addition to the weight loss benefits. It is clinically proven to reduce cardiac events by 20%, both in people suffering from overweight/obesity with pre-existing heart drug can be prescribed for patients with BMI over 30 and those with BMI above 27 and pre-existing surgeon Mufazzal Lakdawala told ET that weight-loss drugs are proving to be the game-changers and they have just unlocked the potential for obese patients. He said the new age weight loss drugs could potentially complement bariatric surgery for patients beyond BMI of 45-50 as a weight-loss to Wegovy, Mounjaro's 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials, which are also given on a weekly basis, are priced at Rs 14,000 to Rs 17,500 for a month's dose.
