India's Obesity Drug Market Booms Amid Lilly and Novo Competition

Demand for obesity drugs in India has increased, with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk competing for market share. Lilly's weight loss drug, Mounjaro, has seen a surge in prescriptions in India, while Novo's Wegovy has also gained popularity. Both companies are expanding their distribution networks in the country to meet the growing demand. The Indian market for obesity drugs is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by rising obesity rates and increasing awareness about the condition.

The Indian anti-obesity drug market is witnessing a surge in demand, with global pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly vying for market share. This competitive landscape is driven by the increasing prevalence of obesity and growing awareness about the condition. The market, currently valued at ₹3,000–₹3,500 crore, is projected to grow almost eightfold to ₹25,000 crore by 2030 [1].

Eli Lilly's weight loss drug, Mounjaro (tirzepatide), has seen a significant surge in prescriptions in India. The company received regulatory approval for the KwikPen® format of Mounjaro, which offers a convenient multi-dose, single-patient-use prefilled pen. This approval aligns Lilly's delivery model with Novo Nordisk's, making Mounjaro a strong competitor in the market [1].

Novo Nordisk, on the other hand, launched Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) in India, which is the country's first GLP-1 analogue approved for weight loss and reduction of cardiovascular risk. Wegovy follows a gradual dose-escalation model, starting at ₹4,336.25 per weekly dose (0.25 mg to 1 mg), rising to ₹6,503.75 for the highest dose (2.4 mg) [1].

Both companies are expanding their distribution networks in India to meet the growing demand. Novo Nordisk has built a strong prescriber base through its oral semaglutide product, Rybelsus, which has been on the market for over two years. Lilly, though not yet disclosing pricing or a launch date for the KwikPen, is expected to ramp up physician engagement and patient awareness campaigns in the coming months [1].

Clinical demand is expected to rise significantly, with data from clinical trials showing that nearly one in three patients treated with Wegovy, alongside lifestyle changes, lost 20% or more of their body weight. Mounjaro, through its dual hormone pathway, also improves insulin sensitivity, reduces appetite, and delays gastric emptying—beneficial for both diabetic and non-diabetic patients [1].

The Indian market for obesity drugs is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by rising obesity rates and increasing awareness about the condition. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are strategically positioning themselves early to tap this explosive growth [1].

References:
[1] https://www.businesstoday.in/industry/pharma/story/novo-lilly-race-for-supremacy-in-indias-anti-obesity-drug-market-482924-2025-07-03