Eli Lilly's Mounjaro KwikPen Approved In India For Diabetes And Obesity

Eli Lilly, a major player in the US pharmaceutical industry, has secured approval from India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for its Mounjaro KwikPen. This follows the March launch of Mounjaro in injectable vial form at 2.5 mg and 5 mg strengths. The KwikPen is a prefilled pen designed for weekly injections, offering convenience for those with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Mounjaro is unique as it activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, which are crucial in regulating blood sugar and appetite. This dual action helps improve insulin production, lower blood sugar levels, reduce body weight, and control appetite. All six dosage options of Mounjaro, ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg, will soon be available in India.

Mounjaro's Role in Weight Management

The drug targets hunger-regulating centres in the brain and slows stomach emptying, making users feel full longer. Clinical studies indicate that it enhances fat metabolism and reduces body fat, aiding weight loss. It is approved as an adjunct treatment with diet and exercise for adults with type 2 diabetes or obesity (BMI ≥ 30), as well as overweight adults (BMI ≥ 27) with conditions like high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Despite receiving marketing authorisation from CDSCO, Eli Lilly has not yet announced the launch date or pricing for the KwikPen in India. However, Mounjaro in vial form is priced at ₹3,500 for 2.5 mg and ₹4,375 for 5 mg doses. The company plans to reveal more details soon.

Expert Opinions on Long-term Efficacy

Dr Ashish Gautam from Max Super Speciality Hospital shared insights with Business Standard: "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 also noted that bariatric surgery remains a more reliable long-term solution compared to drugs like Mounjaro.

According to PharmaTrac data, Mounjaro sold over 81,570 units in India by May, marking a 60% sales increase between April and May. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in India this week. Vikrant Shrotriya of Novo Nordisk India stated that Wegovy would be available by month's end.

Rising Obesity and Diabetes Concerns

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019–21) revealed that obesity rates among Indian adults aged 15–49 have increased significantly since 2015–16. Additionally, the International Diabetes Federation predicts that India's diabetic population will rise from 74.2 million in 2021 to over 124 million by 2045.

Indian pharmaceutical companies are working on affordable alternatives to Mounjaro and Wegovy as semaglutide—the active ingredient in Wegovy—will go off-patent by 2026 in India. This development could pave the way for generic versions of these medications.

This article provides information only and should not replace professional medical advice.