By Priya Sethi, Health Correspondent
Priya Sethi is a medical journalist with over 10 years covering endocrinology and public health policy. View profile
Last Revised: June 21, 2025
Key Takeaways
- What’s New: Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro) has just hit Indian pharmacies after CDSCO approval and is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for type 2 diabetes. reuters.com
- Why It Matters: India has over 101 million adults living with diabetes, and obesity trends amplify the need for innovative treatments. reuters.com
- Expert Insight: “Mounjaro’s dual GIP–GLP‑1 mechanism offers superior glycaemic control compared to existing GLP‑1–only agents,” says Dr. Anjali Mehta, Senior Endocrinologist, AIIMS Delhi. AIIMS profile
- Cost & Access: Initial retail price is ₹12,000–₹15,000 per pen; insurance reimbursement policies are under negotiation.
What Is Mounjaro and How Does It Work?
- Dual Hormone Agonism
- Activates glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors
- Enhances insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite
- Clinical Evidence
- SURPASS‑2 trial (NEJM): Tirzepatide demonstrated superior A1C and body weight reductions versus semaglutide over 40 weeks. lilly.com
- Dosing
- Once-weekly subcutaneous injection, available in 2.5 mg–15 mg prefilled pens (KwikPen format)
Why This Launch Matters for India
- Diabetes Burden
- India ranks second globally, with an estimated 77 million adults living with type 2 diabetes—and nearly 25 million prediabetic. who.int
- Over 50% are unaware of their status, driving complications.
- Obesity Link
- Rising obesity rates compound the challenge; weight loss benefits make tirzepatide a dual‑action tool.
- Market Opportunity
- Analysts project global obesity drug sales to hit $150 billion by the early 2030s, with India as a key growth market. reuters.com
Expert Commentary
“Tirzepatide’s innovation lies in combining GIP and GLP‑1 activity, translating to faster and more sustained glycaemic control,”
—Dr. Anjali Mehta, Senior Endocrinologist, AIIMS Delhi
Dr. Mehta emphasizes patient selection:
- Ideal candidates: BMI ≥27 kg/m² with inadequate control on metformin
- Monitoring: Renal function, gastrointestinal tolerance, and weekly adherence
Patient Perspectives
“After months of high blood sugar readings, adding Mounjaro helped me finally hit my HbA1c target,”
—Ravi Kumar, 52, Bengaluru
Local diabetes support groups report increased inquiries about tirzepatide dosing and side‑effect management.
Availability & Pricing
- Launch Date: March 20, 2025, nationwide after CDSCO import‑marketing approval. reuters.com
- Retail Price: ₹12,000–₹15,000 per pen (5 mg–15 mg strengths)
- Distribution: Major metros first, expanding to tier 2/3 cities by Q4 2025
- Insurance: Private insurers reviewing inclusion; state health schemes may adopt later
Fact‑Check
| Claim | Verification |
|---|---|
| Mounjaro approved for weight‑loss in India | False: Approved currently only for type 2 diabetes in India. Weight‑loss indication pending. |
| Requires Phase III trial in India | False: CDSCO permitted import‑marketing based on global BE and Phase II/III data. |
| No GI side effects with Mounjaro | Misleading: GI events (nausea, diarrhea) occur in ~30% of patients, especially early on. |
Daily Digest
- Weekly Update: Next update scheduled June 28, 2025 – tracking real‑world glycaemic outcomes
- Emergency Alert: Watch for CDSCO circular on pharmacovigilance requirements by end‑July
- Upcoming Webinar: “Integrating GIP–GLP‑1 Agonists into Practice” on June 30, hosted by Endocrine Society of India
FAQs
Q1: How soon will I see results?
A1: Many patients see A1C reductions within 4–8 weeks; weight loss may take 12–16 weeks.
Q2: Can I combine Mounjaro with other diabetes drugs?
A2: Yes—with metformin, SGLT‑2 inhibitors; avoid concurrent GLP‑1 agonists.
Q3: What are the common side effects?
A3: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea—usually transient and dose‑dependent.
