Mounjaro is now a heavyweight in weight-loss fight
Live Events
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
Consumption of Mounjaro, Eli Lilly's blockbuster weight-loss drug, more than tripled within a month of its launch in India, according to data from industry tracker and market researcher PharmaTrac.According to the data, sales of Mounjaro 2.5 mg injections surged to '4.8 crore in April from '1.42 crore in March, when the drug was launched in the country.Doctors, however, are of the view that while popular weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which Novo Nordisk is expected to bring to India, may be a boon in a country of more than 80 million obese people, their efficacy remains to be seen for the initial four-six months in terms of actual weight-loss benefits to Indians, possible weight regain once stopped and whether there are any side effects."These medications have become very popular in the west and there is a lot of hype around them, so many people in India have been waiting to try this out," said Dr Neeraj Tulara, general medicines and infectious diseases specialist at LH Hiranandani Hospital at Powai, Mumbai. "Globally, there are many people who have lost a good amount of weight and there are significant numbers who have also stopped using. So, it will take about six months to tell if there is significant benefit on Indian patients or once it is stopped there is weight regain." Besides, he said, "We have to see how patients tolerate the medication because the Indian profile is different compared to western patients."Dr Anurag Lila, visiting consultant endocrinologist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, said, "Obesity is like a pandemic in India and diabetes is very common and it is one of the useful drugs. It has been well marketed abroad before it has come to India. Thousands of prescriptions have been there and clinical trials are also done. It is a good and useful molecule, so people were waiting in India for a long time and people are using it."According to a recent study published in Lancet, 70% of India's urban population is classified as 'obese', or overweight.Aasim Maldar, consultant-endocrinologist and diabetologist at Mumbai's PD Hinduja Hospital, said, "Tolerability level as of now to the drug is good but it will take at least four-six months to tell how beneficial it is and what is the extent of side effect on patients. The side effect profile, tolerance profile and also the affordability factor are things that have to be taken into consideration."In India, Mounjaro is priced at '3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and '4,375 for a 5 mg vial, which works out at '14,000-17,500 per month depending on the weekly dose. Doctors usually recommend a dose escalation to 5 mg after one month of starting the medication, depending on side effects.Sheetal Sapale, vice president, commercial, PharmaTrac, said the initial tripling of sales may be an indicator of adherence to the once-a-week dosage schedule."A few more months of tracking of these products will give a clear idea about the increasing acceptance of the product among the eligible Indian population," she said.Studies on the effect of the drug in India -done in a few hospitals-so far suggest that the most common side effect is constipation, said doctors.Other common side effects may include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Currently, doctors are mostly prescribing Mounjaro to patients who are obese and have tried other means but not lost weight.Many have spoken about the affordability of the drug in the price sensitive Indian market, where a six month treatment could cost about '1 lakh.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
2 hours ago
- Mint
Advent to acquire significant minority stake in animal drug maker Felix Pharmaceuticals for $175 million
Private equity firm Advent International has signed a definitive agreement to invest $175 million (about ₹ 1,500 crore) for a significant minority stake in Felix Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd, an Ireland-headquartered company focused on developing and manufacturing generic medicines for companion animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. This marks another bet by Advent in the growing healthcare space, this time tapping into the under-penetrated animal health generics segment, where branded drugs continue to dominate. Founded in 2015, Felix Pharma is among the fastest-growing companies in the animal health space, with 14 USFDA-approved products and several more in the pipeline. The company primarily supplies to distributors and other branded generics players, especially in the US, through private labelling. 'Felix has an opportunity to shape the companion animal health generics market. The industry is nascent, with less than 10% share held by generic players, providing a long-term growth opportunity,' said Pankaj Patwari, managing director at Advent, in a statement. 'As we scale in a fast-evolving market, we were looking for a partner who brings not just capital, but also deep operating expertise and the right mindset and networks to help us grow faster and stronger,' said Neeraj Agrawal, co-founder of Felix. 'Advent's strong track record in healthcare and pharma, and their close involvement in building strong businesses, gives us great confidence,' he added. Felix was co-founded by Neeraj Agrawal, a McKinsey alum, Sir Jonathan Symonds, chair of GSK, and Dr. Shumeet Banerji, former CEO of Booz Allen Hamilton. The company received its first USFDA approval in 2020, and now operates a dedicated R&D centre and a USFDA-approved manufacturing plant for animal health products. The facility includes dedicated oral solids and liquids capabilities tailored specifically for the veterinary generics market. 'Healthcare has been a long-standing focus for us, and strong parallels we see between success in human Gx [generics] globally and emerging opportunity in animal health Gx,' said Shweta Jalan, managing partner at Advent. 'Felix is well positioned to lead this space with its strong leadership, broad portfolio, and robust R&D and commercial capabilities,' she said. The deal comes amid a sharp rise in global demand for animal drugs, as pet ownership and spending on pet healthcare rise across geographies. Advent has been actively investing in Indian healthcare and financial services. In April 2024, it acquired a 12.1% stake in Apollo Healthco, a unit of Apollo Hospitals, for ₹ 2,475 crore. Last year, it invested $230 million in Svatantra Microfin along with Multiples PE, and exited Bharat Serums and Vaccines, selling it to Mankind Pharma for ₹ 13,630 crore.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Myth or reality: Mixing Castor Oil with Eggs really help in hair growth?
When it comes to DIY hair care, some ingredients have earned cult status - castor oil and eggs being two of them. Scrolling through beauty reels or old-school remedies passed down by grandmothers, you'll often come across the suggestion to mix castor oil with eggs for boosting hair growth. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But does this combination really work, or is it just another beauty myth with little science behind it? Let's break it down and see whether this sticky, protein-rich mask is worth trying or skipping. Why Castor Oil has cult hair status Thick, glossy, and incredibly sticky, castor oil is derived from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). It has long been used in traditional medicine and beauty rituals, particularly in Indian and African cultures. Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a type of omega-9 fatty acid that is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. When massaged into the scalp, ricinoleic acid helps improve blood circulation, which may stimulate the hair follicles and potentially encourage growth. Its dense consistency also helps seal in moisture, making it a favourite among those battling dry, brittle hair. Moreover, castor oil is rich in vitamin E, minerals, and proteins—factors that contribute to stronger hair strands and a healthier scalp environment. The power of Eggs in hair care Now, let's talk eggs. Eggs are often hailed as a natural protein treatment, especially for damaged or chemically treated hair. The yolk contains fats and proteins that help condition the hair, while the white is rich in enzymes that remove excess oil. Eggs are packed with nutrients like: Biotin (Vitamin B7) – known to improve keratin structure in the hair. Lecithin – a natural emollient that helps repair dry, brittle strands. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Sulphur – essential for producing keratin and collagen, vital for healthy hair and skin. All these components work together to nourish the scalp, strengthen hair shafts, and prevent breakage. Mixing Castor Oil and Eggs: Do they really work together? Here's where things get interesting. Individually, both castor oil and eggs have properties that can support hair health. But when mixed together, the mask becomes a powerhouse of: Protein (from eggs) for repairing hair strands How to use olive oil for magical hair growth Moisture and fatty acids (from castor oil) to deeply condition Improved scalp circulation (from the massage) to encourage growth When applied as a hair mask, the mixture may help reduce hair breakage, add shine, and improve overall texture. While scientific studies on this specific combination are limited, anecdotal evidence from thousands of users suggests visible improvement in hair strength and thickness with consistent use. How to make and use the Castor Oil + Egg hair mask Ingredients: 1 tablespoon castor oil 1 whole egg (for normal to dry hair) Use only the egg white if you have oily hair Optional additions: 1 teaspoon coconut oil or olive oil for extra softness A few drops of essential oil (like rosemary or tea tree) to mask the eggy smell Steps: Whisk the egg and oil(s) in a bowl until you get a smooth paste. Section your hair and apply the mask using a brush or fingers, focusing on the roots and scalp. Cover your hair with a shower cap to trap heat. Leave it on for 30–45 minutes. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water (never hot—it cooks the egg!) and follow with a mild shampoo. Pro Tip: Do this once a week for best results. Overdoing it can lead to protein overload, making hair stiff or dry. Myth or reality? Reality with a few caveats. Mixing castor oil with eggs for hair growth is more than just a folk remedy. While there's no conclusive scientific evidence proving it directly causes faster hair growth, there's plenty of support for its ability to improve hair health, which in turn creates the right environment for growth. Hair growth is influenced by many factors—genetics, hormones, diet, stress, and scalp health—so no one remedy will be a miracle cure. But this natural mask can certainly be part of a holistic hair care routine, especially if your strands are damaged, weak, or dry. DIY beauty has its appeal, especially when the ingredients are already in your kitchen. The castor oil and egg hair mask is not a guaranteed miracle, but it is a time-tested treatment that hydrates, nourishes, and strengthens hair. If you're looking for a chemical-free alternative to salon treatments, this mask is a low-risk, budget-friendly option that just might deliver that healthy, enviable shine. As always, do a patch test before using any new treatment, and consult a dermatologist or trichologist if you're experiencing significant hair loss or scalp issues.
Economic Times
5 hours ago
- Economic Times
More Nova Scotians are dying from the Flu than COVID; here's what the data shows
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Influenza has now overtaken COVID-19 as the leading cause of respiratory-related deaths in Nova Scotia this season, the first time this has happened since the pandemic began. According to the province's latest respiratory watch report, 124 people have died from influenza so far during the 2024–25 respiratory season. In comparison, COVID-19 has been linked to 108 deaths in the same current respiratory season began on August 25, 2024, and runs until August 29, 2025. Health officials say this shift highlights changing patterns in virus transmission and immunity. Experts warn that the flu is now a far bigger threat to public health disease specialists say the trend reflects strong vaccine uptake and natural immunity against COVID‑19. She added that while COVID‑19 deaths are declining, the flu is year's influenza activity began early. Confirmed flu cases climbed through late winter and spring. Hospital admissions from influenza have increased significantly. Clinics and hospitals are now seeing more flu‑related complications than COVID‑19 COVID‑19, influenza has not attracted the same public concern. Mask mandates and testing protocols are no longer in place, which, according to health officials, may be contributing to the rapid vaccines are still available in Nova Scotia. Health providers strongly recommend them for all residents. They emphasize immunizing older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions, as these groups remain most at risk for severe flu boosters are also available. However, uptake has slowed, especially among younger and low‑risk groups. This may explain why COVID‑19 deaths remain stable, even as cases continue at a low but steady Scotia's health authorities are now focused on public education. They stress that both flu and COVID‑19 vaccines are essential. Officials are urging residents to stay home if unwell and to maintain good capacity is becoming a concern again. Bed occupancy and emergency visits have risen with the flu wave. Health officials warn that the system could be stretched if the flu season provincial government plans to track flu and COVID‑19 data closely and update policy based on case trends and hospital pressure, and no new restrictions are planned at this time.
