Diabetes and weight loss treatments expanded with Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, now offered in a convenient, pen-like device.
New Weight Loss Drug Mounjaro Hits Indian Market, Prices Compared to Wegovy
Eli Lilly and Company (India) has launched Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a new weight loss and diabetes treatment, in a KwikPen device across the country. This expansion in the weight loss and diabetes segment comes with a price tag that is comparable to Novo Nordisk's Wegovy.
Mounjaro is available in six different strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. The prices for these strengths are as follows:
- Mounjaro's 2.5 mg KwikPen is priced at ₹14,000 per month.
- Mounjaro's 5 mg KwikPen is priced at ₹17,500 per month.
- Mounjaro's 7.5 mg KwikPen is not currently available in India.
- Mounjaro's 10 mg KwikPen is priced at ₹22,000 per month.
- Mounjaro's 12.5 mg KwikPen is priced at ₹27,500 per month.
- Mounjaro's 15 mg KwikPen is priced at ₹27,500 per month.
Mounjaro KwikPen contains four fixed doses and is administered once weekly.
On the other hand, Wegovy's prices for three strengths are ₹17,345 per month (0.25 mg; 0.5 mg and 1 mg) or ₹4,336 per dose. Wegovy is available in a four-dose pen-like device in five different strengths. At higher strengths, Wegovy is priced at ₹24,280 (1.7 mg) and ₹26,015 (2.4 mg).
Dr. Rajiv Kovil, a senior diabetologist with Zandra Healthcare, stated that Mounjaro's pen format may take away from its vial versions, similar to how Wegovy's injectable version could divert patients from oral semaglutide. However, he also mentioned that for those who do not like injectables, the respective vial or oral versions of Mounjaro and Wegovy will provide a choice.
It's worth noting that only a small percentage of patients will need higher strengths of either Mounjaro or Wegovy, according to Dr. Kovil. He also expects generic competition from Indian drugmakers for semaglutide next year, potentially leading to lower prices.
When it comes to the 1 mg dose, Mounjaro is not offered or widely recognized at 1 mg dose increments, only at higher doses starting 2.5 mg and above. Wegovy does not have a standalone 1 mg dose marketed; it uses graduated dosing starting 0.25 mg escalating up to 2.4 mg weekly. Thus, a direct price comparison for a 1 mg dose between Mounjaro and Wegovy in India cannot be provided.
To summarize, the cost figures available point to the fact that Mounjaro is generally somewhat cheaper per month than Wegovy but only at the standard available dosing strengths, not at 1 mg. Here's a comparison table for the common dose options in India:
| Drug | Common Dose Options in India (mg) | Approximate Cost Range (₹) per Unit or Month | |----------|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------| | Mounjaro | 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15 mg | ₹3,580 (5 mg vial) to ₹7,000+ per vial; ₹14,000–₹17,500/month | | Wegovy | 0.25 to 2.4 mg | ₹17,345 – ₹26,015 per month |
[1] India Pharmaceutical Market [2] Wegovy Prices in India [3] Mounjaro Prices in India [4] Diabetes Care in India
- The new weight loss and diabetes treatment Mounjaro, launched by Eli Lilly, is now available in the Indian market, with prices that are comparable to Wegovy.
- Mounjaro is offered in India in six different strengths, with prices varying from ₹14,000 to ₹27,500 per month.
- In contrast, Wegovy prices range from ₹17,345 to ₹26,015 per month for three strengths, while higher strengths are priced at ₹24,280 and ₹26,015.
- It's worth mentioning that only a small percentage of patients may require higher strengths of either Mounjaro or Wegovy, and generic competition from Indian drugmakers for semaglutide may potentially lead to lower prices next year.
- The health-and-wellness industry, including nutrition and weight-management sectors, could experience significant changes due to the introduction and pricing of these new treatment options.
