US pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly’s groundbreaking drug, Mounjaro, has been launched in India after receiving approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) on Thursday.

The drug, priced at Rs 3,500 for the initial 2.5mg dose, is designed to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, offering significant weight loss benefits. Mounjaro has demonstrated up to 22.5% body weight reduction, equating to up to 24kg of weight loss in clinical trials.

Mounjaro’s approval comes after positive Phase III trial results, where over 50% of patients achieved at least 20% weight reduction. The drug's effectiveness in both obesity and diabetes management has led to predictions that it could become a popular alternative to bariatric surgery, which often comes with higher risks and costs.

How does Mounjaro works 

• Decreases the food intake 
• Takes more time to digest hence keeping you feel full 
• Increase in the production of insulin 

According to India's medical panel, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), over 11% of India's population has diabetes. ICMR also revealed that at least 25% of Indians are classified as overweight or obese, ranking 3rd in the world. The mechanisms linking obesity to type 2 diabetes are multifaceted.

Since receiving approval for Type 2 diabetes in 2022, Mounjaro has been prescribed off-label by doctors for weight loss. However, the drug comes with possible side effects, including nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, and acute kidney injury. Patients are advised to consult with healthcare professionals before starting the medication.

The launch of Mounjaro positions Eli Lilly as a key player in the fight against the global obesity pandemic.

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