Eli Lilly Considers India for Mounjaro Manufacturing

Eli Lilly Considers Expanding Production of Mounjaro in India

Eli Lilly, the global pharmaceutical giant, may manufacture its weight-loss drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in India in the future as part of its ongoing global expansion efforts. CEO David Ricks, currently visiting India, indicated the company’s openness to local production as demand for the drug rises.

His remarks come shortly after Mounjaro received approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and was launched in the country as a treatment for obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

“It is of course possible,” Ricks told CNBC-TV18 when asked about the possibility of local production. “There is a lot of discussion about localizing or regionalizing supply chains. India is still a smaller market for us, but with Mounjaro, it could become an important market.”

Highlights of Eli Lilly’s Expansion Strategy:

• Potential local manufacturing of Mounjaro in India in the future.

• Eli Lilly is already manufacturing insulin in India, which has been successful.

• India’s high diabetes prevalence makes it a strategic market for Eli Lilly.

• The company is open to partnerships before setting up a standalone manufacturing facility.

• Mounjaro pricing in India: ₹3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and ₹4,375 for a 5 mg vial.

India’s Growing Market for Diabetes and Obesity Treatment

Mounjaro’s Potential in India’s High-Diabetes Population

India is home to one of the largest populations of diabetics in the world, making it a crucial market for Mounjaro. The drug has gained massive global attention for its dual benefits in weight loss and diabetes management.

Ricks emphasized the importance of the Indian market, stating, “The prevalence of diabetes is very high in this country, and it is a very serious condition. Mounjaro is a very big opportunity, given that a significant number of people have diabetes in India.”

As lifestyle-related diseases continue to rise, India’s demand for effective diabetes and weight-loss treatments is expected to surge, making it an attractive market for pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly.

Eli Lilly’s Expansion and Supply Chain Strategy

Global Expansion Plans Worth $50 Billion

Eli Lilly has outlined an ambitious $50 billion global expansion plan, focusing on scaling up production and improving supply chains. As part of this initiative, the company is considering India as a potential manufacturing hub for Mounjaro and other drugs.

According to Ricks, “We need to talk to our partners, understand the demand in the market, and get comfortable with the regulatory environment.”

The company has already established insulin manufacturing in India, which has been a success. If demand for Mounjaro increases, Eli Lilly could leverage its existing supply chain partnerships to establish local production for the drug.

Eli Lilly Open to Partnerships in India

Collaborations to Support India’s Fight Against Diabetes

Rather than immediately setting up its own facility, Eli Lilly is considering partnerships with Indian firms to boost local production and distribution.

Ricks acknowledged that diabetes and obesity are major public health crises and that tackling them requires a collective effort. “No one company can do that alone,” he stated, suggesting that Eli Lilly may collaborate with Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers before establishing its own facility.

India’s Regulatory and Market Challenges

While Eli Lilly is open to the idea of manufacturing Mounjaro in India, the company wants a better understanding of the regulatory environment before committing to large-scale investments.

Ricks stated, “We need to get comfortable in the regulatory environment,” emphasizing that clear and stable policies will be crucial in determining the company’s long-term manufacturing plans in India.

Pricing and Availability of Mounjaro in India

Competitive Pricing for the Indian Market

The 2.5 mg vial of Mounjaro is priced at ₹3,500, while the 5 mg vial costs ₹4,375. While this makes the drug relatively expensive compared to some existing diabetes treatments, it remains a more affordable option than in many Western markets.

Given India’s price-sensitive healthcare market, local manufacturing could help reduce costs further, making the drug more accessible to a larger patient base.

India as a Key Player in Eli Lilly’s Future Growth

With rising cases of obesity and diabetes, India’s pharmaceutical market presents a lucrative opportunity for Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro. The company’s potential plans for local production reflect India’s growing importance as a global healthcare hub.

Eli Lilly’s global expansion, ongoing insulin production in India, and openness to partnerships indicate that the country could play a crucial role in the company’s future manufacturing and supply chain strategy.