Eli Lilly Open to Indian Partnerships for Mounjaro Distribution, Says CEO David Ricks

Following the recent launch of its blockbuster anti-diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro in India, pharma major Eli Lilly has expressed openness to partnering with Indian companies to expand distribution and market reach. The announcement comes amid growing public interest in tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, which has demonstrated significant weight reduction benefits.

Key HighlightsIndia Pricing Strategy vs Global Cost

• Mounjaro is priced between ₹14,000 (low dose) and ₹17,500 (high dose) per month in India.

• The same drug costs over $1,000/month in the US, reflecting a significant pricing gap to expand accessibility in India.

Strategic Partnership Outlook

• Eli Lilly already has existing tie-ups with Cipla and Lupin for insulin sales in India.

• The company is open to licensing partnerships with Indian firms, with potential collaborators including Dr Reddy's.

• CEO David Ricks: “Lilly embraces partnership, and that's a philosophy we have globally.”

Market Potential & Demand Dynamics

• Mounjaro hit global sales of $11.5 billion in 2024.

• India has over 100 million obese individuals and a similar number with type-2 diabetes—a massive potential market.

• Demand for GLP-1-based injectables like Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy has surged globally, prompting both companies to invest heavily in scaling production.

Upcoming Product Watch

• Orforglipron, an oral non-peptide GLP-1 drug from Eli Lilly, is being closely watched for its ease of patient compliance and expected 2025 launch in India.

Company Growth & R&D Investment

• Eli Lilly’s market cap now stands at $800 billion, overtaking giants like Pfizer and Merck.

• Revenue in 2024 grew by 30% to $45 billion, and the company projects $59.5 billion in revenue for 2025, backed by new launches in India and China.

• R&D allocation for 2025: $14 billion, reaffirming its focus on innovative drug development.

Statements from Leaders or Officials
“We selected pricing that both produces extra value for society and rewards the innovator. So, we will keep making new medicines and consider the out-of-pocket environment here.”
 — David Ricks, CEO, Eli Lilly
“As wealth increases, developing countries shift from acute diseases to chronic ones. Obesity is now the most important chronic condition in terms of prevalence and downstream impact.”
 — David Ricks, on launch priority for IndiaWith India positioned as a key market in Eli Lilly’s global expansion, the company’s willingness to pursue partnerships reflects a strategy to rapidly scale Mounjaro’s availability. As demand for anti-obesity and diabetes solutions accelerates, the Indian pharmaceutical landscape is poised for intensified competition and broader access through collaborations.