There is news of relief for people struggling with problems like obesity and type-2 diabetes in India. American drug maker Elli Lily & Company has launched Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) in India. This drug is already popular in western countries and will now be available in the Indian market as well. It is given as a weekly injection.
Price and dosing details
- 2.5 mg dose price ₹ 3,500
- 5 mg dose price ₹ 4,375
- One month course ₹ 14,000 (2.5mg dose)
Its price in Britain is between ₹ 23,000 – ₹ 25,000 in Indian currency.
Approval in India
India’s Central Medicine Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) approved Mounjaro for import and sale on 16 June 2024. In clinical trials, this drug showed the results of effective weight loss:
- Weighs up to 21.8 kg on 5mg dose.
- Weight reduced by 15.4 kg at minimum dose.
Obesity and diabetes status in India
- 10.1 crore people in India suffer from diabetes.
- More than half of the patients are not getting enough treatment.
- Obesity is associated with over 200 diseases, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea.
Experts’ opinion and vigilance advice
Lily India president Vinslo Takkar said that obesity and diabetes are becoming serious health problems in India, and the company is committed to working with the government and industry in their management.
However, Dr. Nikhil Tandon, Head of the Department of Endocrinology, AIIMS Delhi, has warned about the use of anti-obesity drugs without a doctor’s supervision. Experts say that medical consultation is necessary before adopting any weight loss drug.
