Eli Lilly to launch Mounjaro KwikPen for type 2 diabetes in India

US pharmaceutical major Eli Lilly on Thursday announced plans to launch its blockbuster diabetes drug Mounjaro in KwikPen, a single patient use prefilled pen designed for once weekly administration in the Indian market, offering a convenient treatment option for adults with type 2 diabetes.

The announcement comes two days after its rival Danish drugmarker Novo Nordisk, launched its weight loss drug Wegovy as a once a week injection in India.

The company said that they have received approval from the drug regulatory authority however did not comment on the launch timeline.


Lilly said each pen delivers four fixed doses of 0.6 mL and has been approved in six dose strengths including 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg, the company said in a statement.

“The approval of Mounjaro KwikPen marks a step forward in the care of people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity, offering a convenient way for patients to take their medication,” said Winselow Tucker, President and General Manager, Lilly India.

“With this approval, all six dosage options for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) will soon be available in India, supporting a more personalised approach to treatment and allowing healthcare professionals to tailor care based on individual patient needs and clinical goals.”

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is the first and only dual GIP (glucose- dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist, indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, with one weight-related comorbidity.

Earlier in March the company had launched Mounjaro in 2.5 mg vial and 5 mg vial at Rs 3500 and Rs 4375 respectively.with diabetes and nearly half of these adult patients are inadequately treated with suboptimal glycemic control.

Mounjaro reduces body weight, and decreases fat mass by regulating appetite. Moreover, Mounjaro has been demonstrated to regulate lipid utilization.

Over the past five years, the Indian market for weight loss drugs has grown over 30% CAGR to close to 550 crore, industry sources told ET.

India has about 101 million people living with diabetes and nearly half of these in the adult patients category are being inadequately treated with suboptimal glycemic control.

As of 2023, adult obesity prevalence in India stood at around 6.5%, affecting nearly 100 million people.