Eli Lilly Launches Mounjaro Kwikpen in India, Faces Lawsuit Over Bribery Allegations

Eli Lilly launches weight-loss drug Mounjaro Kwikpen in India at $160 for the starting dose, stepping up competition with Novo Nordisk's Wegovy. The company also faces a lawsuit from Texas over bribery allegations. Lilly's shares have been impacted by these developments, but the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are set to open at record highs on hopes of a September rate cut.

Eli Lilly has introduced its weight-loss drug Mounjaro Kwikpen in India, priced at ₹14,000 (around $160) for the starting dose of 2.5 mg [1]. This move is expected to intensify competition with Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, which was launched in India in June 2025 [2].

Mounjaro Kwikpen is a once-weekly, multi-dose, prefilled pen designed for single-patient use. It is aimed at people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, offering a convenient way to take their medication. The drug activates two hormones, GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), that help regulate blood sugar and appetite [1].

The pricing for Mounjaro Kwikpen varies depending on the dose strength. The 2.5 mg dose is priced at ₹14,000 per month, while the 15 mg dose is priced at ₹27,500 per month [1]. In comparison, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy has a lower price point for its lowest doses but is more expensive for higher doses [1].

Eli Lilly's move comes at a time when the company is facing a lawsuit from Texas over bribery allegations, which has impacted its shares. However, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are set to open at record highs on hopes of a September rate cut [3].

The Indian weight-loss market is projected to grow rapidly, with over 254 million people living with obesity and more than 100 million adults with diabetes. The market was estimated at $25 billion in 2024 and could double by 2033 [3].

Both Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are racing to capture a lucrative market before generic competitors enter. Semaglutide's patent protection is expected to expire in March 2026, and leading Indian pharmaceutical companies are reportedly preparing lower-cost versions [3].

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/health/eli-lilly-mounjaro-kwikpen-india-launch-price-competition-wegovy-125081301194_1.html
[2] https://www.financialexpress.com/business/healthcare-eli-lilly-launches-mounjaro-kwikpen-for-diabetes-and-obesity-in-india-heres-all-about-doses-prices-and-how-it-works-3945392/
[3] https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/mounjaro-pen-launch-eli-lilly-weight-loss-drugs-india-novo-nordisk-wegovy-11755081422304.html