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Endocrinologists say the early momentum for Mounjaro was expected, given its dual indication for diabetes and obesity
Mounjaro, launched in March 2025, garnered a cumulative revenue of Rs 233 crore till September 25 and Rs 80 crore turnover in the month of September.
Eli Lilly’s diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro has taken a commanding early lead over Novo Nordisk’s rival Wegovy in India’s new anti-obesity drug market, data by research firm Pharmatrac shows. Mounjaro has become the second-largest brand in the Indian pharmaceutical market for the month of September, the largest being top-selling antibiotic Augmentin.
Mounjaro, launched in March 2025, garnered a cumulative revenue of Rs 233 crore till September 25 and Rs 80 crore turnover in the month of September.
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Mounjaro has recorded MAT (moving annual total) sales of 5.77 lakh units, compared to slightly over 20,000 units for Wegovy, which entered the market three months later in June 2025. Sales of Mounjaro have grown rapidly month after month—from 11,637 units in March to nearly 1,66,000 units by August, a near fifteen-fold rise in just six months. By contrast, Wegovy sales stood at 1,788 units in June, climbing modestly to 6,849 units by August, reflecting its limited rollout.
Together, the two drugs contributed a total of almost six lakh units in sales in the period ending September 2025, with Mounjaro commanding over 96 per cent market share by volume.
Endocrinologists say the early momentum for Mounjaro was expected, given its dual indication for diabetes and obesity. “Mounjaro is mostly prescribed for diabetes according to its label, but it is also more effective for weight loss and has the first-strike advantage in India,” said Dr Anoop Misra, a leading Indian endocrinologist and chairman, Fortis C-DOC.
Market watchers attribute Lilly’s edge to aggressive outreach and marketing. “Eli Lilly is aggressively marketing it. They may be using their network of doctors and influencers better than Novo Nordisk,” said Dr Sambit Dash, medical academic and healthcare analyst.
Dash, an associate professor of biochemistry at MUCM Malaysia, added that the “reports of more effectiveness of Mounjaro stay in public memory. And of course, the price-sensitive Indian market could be choosing it over Wegovy due to a lower MRP”.
Wegovy is more expensive than Mounjaro, with a monthly dosage priced between Rs 17,000 and Rs 26,000, compared to Mounjaro’s cost of Rs 14,000 to Rs 17,500.
Echoing similar views, Sheetal Sapale, vice president (commercial) at Pharmarack, said: “Mounjaro’s Kwikpen launch has given it a fillip in terms of value. Here, multiple doses in a single pen have brought down the quantity, but there is a jump in value, whereas Wegovy trend has plateaued both in terms of value and units.”
The data underscores how Eli Lilly’s early launch and physician-driven strategy have given it a clear head start in India’s fast-emerging metabolic health segment. Novo Nordisk, however, is expected to expand the availability of Wegovy over the coming quarters, leveraging its strong global brand and long-standing leadership in diabetes care.
A top Novo Nordisk official had earlier told News18 that the company is now gearing up to launch its blockbuster weight-loss injection, Ozempic, in India. The drug has dominated global headlines for several years for its dramatic weight-loss results, with celebrities such as Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and Kim Kardashian widely associated with its use. The company sees Ozempic as the next major focus area in India’s growing fight against obesity and diabetes, following the rollout of Wegovy.
Analysts say India’s overlapping obesity and diabetes burden offers a large potential market for both companies. But pricing, access and regulatory clarity on long-term weight-loss treatment will determine how quickly the segment matures.
With Ozempic expected to join Mounjaro and Wegovy on Indian shelves soon, the battle for India’s weight-loss market is poised to heat up, marking the next big phase in the country’s fight against obesity and diabetes.
About the Author
Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particular…Read More
Himani Chandna, Senior Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particular… Read More
October 08, 2025, 09:26 IST
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