Mounjaro launched in India, costs over Rs. 2 lakh

Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro, India’s first weight loss drug. Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, referred to these drugs as "the closest thing to a miracle." However, he cautioned against getting too excited about them. Mounjaro costs between Rs. 3,500 and Rs. 4,375 for a single-dose vial, depending on the dosage. For typical users, this could cost over Rs. 2 lakh a year. Kamath noted that many people are still uncertain about the long-term effects of these drugs. He mentioned that the popularity of weight loss drugs could change behaviors significantly. People might eat less, buy less, and even live longer. However, this could have ripple effects on various industries, including insurance and finance. Kamath also pointed out that a large number of Indians face diabetes and obesity. Current trends suggest that over 30% of Indians could be obese in the near future. He emphasized the potential benefits of Mounjaro, such as weight loss and improved mental health. However, he also admitted that more research is needed to fully understand these effects. While Mounjaro has shown promise, not many people are using these medications yet. In the US, only 6 percent of the population has adopted them. Kamath is curious about the broader impact if more people start using these drugs regularly. The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide. It was initially developed for diabetes but has been found to support significant weight loss. As patents expire in 2026, cheaper versions may become available, raising questions about how this will affect the market.