Eli Lilly Sees High Demand for Mounjaro in India Amid Obesity Rise
India, Friday, 20 June 2025.
Eli Lilly’s obesity drug Mounjaro is in high demand in India, with a 60% sales rise from April to May, amid the nation’s increasing obesity crisis.
Eli Lilly’s Strategic Market Expansion
Eli Lilly & Co., identified on the stock market with the ticker symbol $LLY, is experiencing a significant surge in demand for its obesity and diabetes medication, Mounjaro, in India. This surge, occurring between April and May of 2025, has resulted in a 60% increase in sales, reflecting a total of over 81,570 units sold, equating to about 239.4 million rupees or $2.76 million [1][2][3]. Eli Lilly’s strategic timing in launching Mounjaro in India, which coincides with rising obesity and diabetes rates in the country, underscores the company’s commitment to addressing global health issues [3].
India’s Rising Health Challenges
India’s escalating obesity crisis presents significant market opportunities for Eli Lilly. The country, home to 1.4 billion people, has witnessed an increase in the percentage of its population classed as overweight or obese. Government surveys from 2019 to 2021 show that nearly 23% of men and 24% of women aged 15 to 49 fall into this category, up from 20.6% and 19% in the previous decade [4][5]. This steady rise in obesity is paralleled by predictions from the International Diabetes Federation, which estimates the number of diabetes cases will soar to more than 124 million by 2045 from 74.2 million in 2021 [5].
Competitive Landscape and Market Dynamics
Eli Lilly faces a competitive landscape in India. While Mounjaro positions itself as an essential player in diabetes management, the threat of generic alternatives, anticipated as early as 2026, looms on the horizon. This could impact Eli Lilly’s market share, given the lower cost of generic medications. Currently, Mounjaro’s mass-market pricing strategy is a key differentiator, making it more accessible than products like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, due to its significantly lower monthly cost [5][6]. Indian pharmaceutical companies are preparing to introduce cheaper alternatives, further intensifying market competition [6].
Eli Lilly’s Broader Implications
Beyond immediate commercial success, Eli Lilly’s burgeoning sales of Mounjaro in India mark a shift in healthcare practices, highlighting increased consumer awareness and proactive disease management. Eli Lilly has invested over $50 billion globally to scale its production capacity, ensuring it meets the rising demand not only in India but across other markets [5]. The company’s success with Mounjaro speaks to its broader strategy of addressing lifestyle diseases through innovative healthcare solutions [6].