Zerodha Alert: Why Nithin Kamath Called Eli Lilly's Weight-Loss Drug A Miracle?

The blockbuster weight-loss drug Mounjaro has become a hot topic in India since the medicine combats obesity and diabetes. The latest to praise this anti-obesity drug is Zerodha's CEO Nithin Kamath who calls it a 'miracle'. Eli Lilly is expanding its footprint, and targets about $150 billion weight-loss market in the Indian pharma market.

Through his X handler, Kamath revealed that he has been following the developments around Ozempic and GLP-1 drugs with some interest for a while, and last week Eli Lilly launched its variant, Mounjaro, in India.

He highlighted, " Remember, India has the highest number of diabetics, and if current trends hold, 30%+ of Indians will be obese. I don't think we have a good understanding of the second-order effects of these weight loss drugs, but so far, the effects people are reporting are remarkable."

Further, Kamath shed light upon the effects Mounjaro could have on people.

He said, "The obvious effect is that people can lose 15-20% of their weight, as long as they keep taking the drug. But I've also read that the drug can potentially reduce addictive tendencies and compulsive behaviors like alcoholism, smoking, gambling, and so on."

There's some evidence to show that these drugs can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and Alzheimer's; improve mental health; and so on. I don't know if all of these things are true, and it's early days, he added.

But, Kamath also said, "even if half of what's being reported is true, then this will be the closest thing we've seen to a miracle drug."

Kamath pointed out that the impact of Mounjaro could be at much-higher levels, if it picks up in traction.

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He said, "So far, not many people are taking them; even in the US, only about 6% of the people are taking these drugs. With just this, FMCG companies like Walmart are saying that these drugs are affecting purchasing behavior. What would happen if more people started taking these drugs? We'll have an across-the-board effect on every single industry."

"People will eat less, smoke less, buy less, and live longer. They'll also trade less?" he questioned.

According to Kamath, insurance premiums have to change, and annuity payouts in pensions will have to be readjusted.

"What we don't know is more than what we know about these drugs at this point. Also, the patents on the active ingredient in this drug is expiring in 2026, which means, cheaper generics will be available. Is the world ready for this?," he said.

Mounjaro is prescribed in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg per 0.5 mL injection. The price of 2.5mg and 5mg of Mounjaro is at Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,375 in India. The prices are cheaper compared to Mounjaro sold in US which costs around $1,000 or approximately Rs 86,000 per month.

Mounjaro is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose).

FAQS ABOUT MOUNJARO

Question : What is Mounjaro and what is it used for?

Answer : Mounjaro is a prescription medicine launched by Eli Lilly for adults with type 2 diabetes, used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar.,

Question : What are the common side effects of Mounjaro?

Answer : Common side effects of Mounjaro include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain.,

Question : What is the price range of Mounjaro in India?

Answer : The monthly price of Mounjaro in India ranges from Rs 14,000 to Rs 17,500, with 2.5 mg and 5 mg injections priced at Rs 3,500 and Rs 4,375, respectively.,

Question : Who should not use Mounjaro?

Answer : Mounjaro is not intended for people with type 1 diabetes and children under the age of 18 years.,

Question : What precautions should be taken before using Mounjaro?

Answer : Before using Mounjaro, it is important to have your healthcare provider show you how to use it and discuss managing low blood sugar and potential interactions with birth control pills.