Rs 233 Crore in 6 Months: Mounjaro Becomes India's Second-Biggest Drug by Sales
New Delhi: In a remarkable rise, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has become India's second-highest selling drug by value within just six months of launch, as the injectable recorded Rs 80 crore in sales in September 2025, according to Pharmatrac data.
Background: From Diabetes Treatment to Weight Loss Sensation
Originally developed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) received its first global approval from the USFDA in 2022 for blood sugar control. It was later found to have significant weight-loss benefits, leading to widespread off-label use and subsequent regulatory approvals for obesity management.
Eli Lilly introduced Mounjaro in India in early 2025, after securing clearance from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). Initially marketed for diabetes management, it quickly gained traction among patients and doctors for its dual-action mechanism — targeting both the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors.
This dual approach not only improves glycemic control but also suppresses appetite, making it one of the most effective treatments for diabetes-linked obesity.
Launch and Pricing in India
In March 2025, Eli Lilly launched Mounjaro in India in KwikPen form, a prefilled injection device that enhances convenience and dosing accuracy. The company priced the pen at around ₹14,000 for the starting 2.5 mg dose, going up to ₹27,500 for the highest 15 mg dose, depending on prescription and frequency.
While the price is steep compared to conventional diabetes drugs, the brand’s strong efficacy and visible results have positioned it as a premium therapeutic choice among urban patients. By comparison, Augmentin, India’s top-selling antibiotic brand, retails at under ₹200 per strip, but Mounjaro’s high per-unit value has catapulted its total revenue far ahead of most drugs.
Rapid Ascent: ₹233 Crore in Six Months
According to Pharmatrac data accessed by TOI, Mounjaro’s monthly sales jumped from ₹56 crore in August to ₹80 crore in September, reflecting a 42–43% month-on-month growth. Within six months of launch, its cumulative revenue touched ₹233 crore, overtaking long-established brands in cardiology, diabetes, and pain management.
Also Read: Tirzepatide Shakes Up Obesity Market As Mounjaro Records Rs 390 Million Sales in June
According to a recent NDTV report, the growth was significantly accelerated after Eli Lilly rolled out the Mounjaro KwikPen, which simplified administration and boosted patient adherence.
Competition: Lilly Overtakes Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy
Mounjaro’s rapid market capture also marks a decisive moment in the global rivalry between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. TOI reports that Novo’s obesity drug Wegovy (semaglutide), though globally successful, has not yet achieved comparable traction in India, with estimated sales around ₹9 crore.
India Today highlighted that Lilly’s early launch, aggressive physician outreach, and robust supply chain helped it outpace Wegovy and cement its position in the ₹2 lakh crore Indian pharma market.
How It Works: Dual-Action Advantage
Unlike traditional diabetes medications, Mounjaro mimics two hormones — GLP-1 and GIP — that regulate blood sugar and appetite. The combination helps patients lower HbA1c levels while reducing body weight by up to 15–20% over several months, according to clinical studies.
NDTV explained that this dual mechanism “provides a metabolic edge” by enhancing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon, and slowing gastric emptying, all of which contribute to improved glucose control and sustained weight loss.
Lilly’s Expansion and Future Plans
Buoyed by Mounjaro’s success, Eli Lilly has announced plans to invest over $1 billion in India to expand manufacturing and local supply chain capacity. The company aims to localize production to meet the rising domestic and export demand for its diabetes and obesity drugs, reports Reuters.
