As reported by Reuters, U.S. pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly has launched its Mounjaro KwikPen in India, expanding its portfolio of treatments for diabetes and obesity. The KwikPen is a once-weekly pre-filled injector available in six dosage strengths, ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg, offering greater flexibility for patients. Previously, Mounjaro was only sold in India in vial form, limited to 2.5 mg and 5 mg strengths.
The move comes just days after Danish rival Novo Nordisk introduced its weight-loss drug Wegovy in India, intensifying competition in a rapidly growing market. Both companies are vying for a share of India’s rising diabetic and obese population, which ranks among the highest globally. Eli Lilly had already launched Mounjaro in India in March, and according to Reuters, the addition of the pen device is part of the company’s strategy to enhance convenience and personalize care for Indian patients.
Reuters also noted that Eli Lilly is targeting emerging markets like India, Brazil, and Mexico for Mounjaro’s expansion this year. India has quickly become a key market for the drug, with over 81,000 units sold by May, generating approximately Rs. 239 million USD (about 2.8 million USD). The company reported a 60% increase in sales from April to May alone.
While Lilly has not yet disclosed the pricing for the new KwikPen, it is expected to be similar to Novo’s Wegovy, which is priced between Rs. 17,345 and Rs. 26,015 per month. Industry analysts also anticipate the arrival of generics soon, as the patent for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, expires in India next year.
With both pharmaceutical giants now offering advanced injector pens and multiple dosage options, India is set to become a critical battleground for next-generation diabetes and obesity treatments, Reuters reported.
