Obesity drug demand soars in India: report

India is witnessing a rapid increase in demand for weight-loss drugs, with pharmaceutical companies Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk expanding their presence in the market.

According to a latest data from Pharmarack, competition between the firms has intensified as the obesity drug sector continues to grow, Reuters reported.

Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, launched in India at March end, recorded sales of 87,986 units in June, double the figure from May. From March through May, the company sold 81,570 units.

Novo Nordisk, which introduced Wegovy in late June, has sold 1,788 units since its launch. Both drugs are part of a broader push to meet rising demand tied to obesity and diabetes in India.

Citing the Pharmarack data, Reuters reported that the obesity drug market in India has expanded five times since 2021, reaching a value of Rs628 crore.

The growth comes as health concerns continue to rise given the prevalence of diabetes among Indians.

Currently, semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, holds around two-thirds of India’s weight-loss drug market.

Tirzepatide, which is used in Mounjaro, accounts for 8%.

The semaglutide segment is valued at Rs412 crore as of June, while the tirzepatide segment stands at Rs50 crore. Novo has also been selling oral semaglutide for diabetes treatment in India since 2022.

With semaglutide’s patent set to expire in India by 2026, several generic drugmakers are preparing to enter the market, potentially making India as a significant arena for companies looking to tap into the global obesity treatment segment.