Eli Lilly gets nod to launch Mounjaro pen in India

India’s drug authority has approved Eli Lilly’s once-a-week injection, Mounjaro, in a pen format called KwikPen.

With this approval, the company can now sell the drug in India for people with Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) gave the green light for the KwikPen version of Mounjaro.

The pen is prefilled and meant for one patient to use.

The once-a-week shot comes in six dose levels: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. Each dose is 0.6 mL.

Mounjaro’s main ingredient is tirzepatide, which works by copying two natural hormones (GIP and GLP-1) that help the body control blood sugar.

It also helps reduce hunger and body fat, making it useful for both diabetes and weight management.

“With this approval, all six dosage options for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) will soon be available in India, allowing healthcare professionals to tailor care based on individual patient needs and clinical goals,” said Winselow Tucker, president and general manager, Lilly India.

“The approval of Mounjaro KwikPen marks a step forward in the care of people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity,” Tucker added. “It supports a more personalized approach to treatment.”

Using pen devices like KwikPen can be easier than using vials, especially for older people or those who have trouble moving.

The approval comes after the launch of another pen-based drug, Wegovy, by Novo Nordisk in India.

Wegovy focuses on weight loss and heart health. Mounjaro, however, works on both blood sugar control and long-term weight management through its dual-action system.

Eli Lilly now joins other global drug companies focusing on India’s rising number of diabetes and obesity cases.