Eli Lilly Launches Mounjaro Pen in India, Intensifying GLP-1 Market Competition

Eli Lilly has launched its best-selling diabetes drug Mounjaro in India in a new injector pen format, intensifying its battle with Novo Nordisk in the fast-growing GLP-1 market. Mounjaro Kwikpen starts at ₹14,000 for the lowest dose and rises to ₹27,500 for the highest, with Novo Nordisk's Wegovy priced nearly in line across comparable doses. Analysts see India as a key growth market for GLP-1 drugs due to rising obesity and diabetes rates and expanding awareness of newer therapies.

Eli Lilly has expanded its market presence in India by introducing a new injector pen format for its best-selling diabetes drug, Mounjaro. This move intensifies the competition between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the fast-growing GLP-1 market. The new Mounjaro KwikPen, priced at ₹14,000 for the lowest dose and rising to ₹27,500 for the highest, aligns closely with Novo Nordisk's Wegovy pricing across comparable doses. Analysts see India as a key growth market for GLP-1 drugs due to rising obesity and diabetes rates, as well as increasing awareness of newer therapies.

The Mounjaro KwikPen is a multi-dose, single-patient-use device, designed for once-weekly administration. It offers six dosage strengths, ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. The drug, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, is indicated for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Lilly believes this innovation will support healthcare professionals in delivering more personalized and effective treatment plans, thereby improving outcomes for patients living with these serious diseases [1].

Eli Lilly's strategy to offer a more convenient administration method comes as Novo Nordisk is also expanding its market reach with the injectable pen version of its weight-loss drug, Wegovy. Both companies are racing to capture a lucrative market before generics enter. The Indian market for weight loss and diabetes management 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 [2].

The competition between Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk is not limited to India. Globally, Novo Nordisk's obesity-focused sales grew from under $2-3 billion in 2020 to about $10 billion in 2024. Lilly’s Mounjaro recorded $11.5 billion in global sales in 2024, an increase of 124% from the previous year [3]. In India, Mounjaro has generated close to ₹100 crore in sales until July 2025, while Novo Nordisk's Wegovy has recorded sales of ₹10 crore until the end of July.

The launch of Mounjaro KwikPen is a strategic move by Lilly to improve convenience for both doctors and patients while maintaining early traction in India’s anti-obesity segment. Novo Nordisk, on the other hand, is banking on its pen-filled device for Wegovy, as well as its strong leadership in the insulin market. The coming months will be critical for both players in a market poised for rapid growth.

References:
[1] https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/mounjaro-pen-launch-eli-lilly-weight-loss-drugs-india-novo-nordisk-wegovy-11755081422304.html
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/eli-lilly-launches-mounjaro-kwikpen-for-diabetes-treatment-in-india/articleshow/123276305.cms?from=mdr
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/weight-management-drugs-double-sales-india-novo-nordisk-eli-lilly-surge-2508/