Eli Lilly and Company is strengthening its presence in India and evaluating the country as a strategic export base amid rising demand for its blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss therapy Mounjaro, as reported by Reuters.
According to Reuters, A senior company executive indicated that India’s established pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem, cost competitiveness, and regulatory expertise make it an attractive base for global supply operations. The move comes amid accelerating global demand for obesity and metabolic disorder therapies, a segment witnessing rapid growth.
Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, has seen significant uptake in India following its introduction, quickly emerging as one of the company’s leading products in the country. The surge reflects increasing awareness and diagnosis of lifestyle-related conditions, including type-2 diabetes and obesity, across urban and semi-urban populations.
While Lilly does not currently operate its own manufacturing plants in India, the company is evaluating partnerships with domestic contract manufacturers to expand production capabilities. Industry experts note that India’s strong track record in supplying medicines to regulated markets such as the United States and Europe enhances its appeal as an export base.
The company is also exploring expansion of its product portfolio in India, subject to regulatory approvals. Potential future launches could include therapies targeting Alzheimer’s disease and next-generation oral treatments for obesity, broadening its presence beyond injectable metabolic drugs.
In the obesity treatment segment, Lilly faces competition from Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, which markets weight-management therapies globally. However, analysts say India’s large and growing patient population provides room for multiple players as healthcare access and preventive treatment adoption expand.
India is projected to see a substantial rise in obesity rates in the coming decades, reinforcing long-term growth prospects for metabolic therapies. By leveraging India’s manufacturing strength and domestic demand momentum, Lilly aims to integrate the country more deeply into its global supply chain strategy.
Industry observers view this development as part of a broader trend of multinational pharmaceutical companies increasing investments in India, not only as a commercial market but also as a strategic production and export centre.
