Lilly launches Mounjaro pen in India at $160 for starting dose, stepping up Novo rivalry
Lilly said in June it received approval from India's drug regulator for its once-weekly Mounjaro Kwikpen, two days after Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in multiple dose strengths in a similar pen device.
Mounjaro Kwikpen is available in six dose strengths — 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg — with pricing calculated for a month's supply.
The smallest two doses are priced at 14,000 and 17,500 rupees, respectively, and the 7.5 mg and 10 mg doses cost 22,000 rupees. The 12.5 mg and 15 mg doses cost 27,500 rupees, the company said.
'If we look at how the highest doses of Mounjaro and Wegovy are priced, it appears (that) Mounjaro's pricing is attractive and competitive,' said Vishal Manchanda from Systematix Institutional Equities.
Wegovy's smallest doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg cost 17,345 rupees a month, and its highest doses of 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg cost 24,280 rupees and 26,015 rupees a month, respectively.
Lilly began selling Mounjaro in India in late March for diabetes and obesity in 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials. Both drugs have seen strong demand since then, with sales in July doubling month-on-month.
The drugs belong to a class of therapies known as GLP-1 receptor agonists that help control blood sugar and slow digestion, making people feel fuller for longer.
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Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
Lilly launches Mounjaro pen in India at $160 for starting dose, stepping up Novo rivalry
Eli Lilly on Wednesday launched the easy-to-use injector pen of its blockbuster weight-loss drug Mounjaro for 14,000 rupees (nearly $160) for its starting dose of 2.5 mg in India, stepping up competition with Novo Nordisk. Lilly said in June it received approval from India's drug regulator for its once-weekly Mounjaro Kwikpen, two days after Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in multiple dose strengths in a similar pen device. Mounjaro Kwikpen is available in six dose strengths — 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg — with pricing calculated for a month's supply. The smallest two doses are priced at 14,000 and 17,500 rupees, respectively, and the 7.5 mg and 10 mg doses cost 22,000 rupees. The 12.5 mg and 15 mg doses cost 27,500 rupees, the company said. 'If we look at how the highest doses of Mounjaro and Wegovy are priced, it appears (that) Mounjaro's pricing is attractive and competitive,' said Vishal Manchanda from Systematix Institutional Equities. Wegovy's smallest doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg cost 17,345 rupees a month, and its highest doses of 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg cost 24,280 rupees and 26,015 rupees a month, respectively. Lilly began selling Mounjaro in India in late March for diabetes and obesity in 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials. Both drugs have seen strong demand since then, with sales in July doubling month-on-month. The drugs belong to a class of therapies known as GLP-1 receptor agonists that help control blood sugar and slow digestion, making people feel fuller for longer.
Express Tribune
25-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Experts warn of obesity surge in Pakistan
Health experts have expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in obesity and depression among Pakistan's youth, revealing that approximately 38 million people across the country are affected by obesity. The issue was brought into focus at a seminar titled "Unprecedented Partnerships for a Healthier Tomorrow," aimed at raising public awareness and promoting collaborative efforts to combat obesity in Pakistan. Addressing the seminar, Jakob Linulf, Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, underscored the vital role of partnerships in addressing global health challenges such as obesity. "Tackling obesity requires collective action. Danish companies like Novo Nordisk are contributing significantly to Pakistan's healthcare landscape. I am confident that this collaboration will leave a lasting positive impact on public health in Pakistan. A unified strategy is essential to counter the growing threat of chronic diseases like obesity," he said. Dr Javed Akram, President of the Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, highlighted the severity of the problem, stating: "Nearly 38m people in Pakistan are currently living with obesitya condition now recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization. Its impact extends beyond individual well-being, posing significant challenges to public health infrastructure." Rashid Rafiq Butt, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Pakistan, presented advancements in obesity treatment, saying: "We have introduced an innovative GLP-1-based therapy, which is already helping millions worldwide in managing weight effectively. However, to address obesity comprehensively in Pakistan, we must adopt a coordinated approach involving government bodies, institutions, communities, and non-governmental organizations."
Business Recorder
25-07-2025
- Business Recorder
Experts urge awareness, junk food tax to curb obesity, cut health costs
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan can significantly reduce national health expenditure by controlling obesity by creating awareness and taxing unhealthy junk foods including sugary drinks, health experts in a media talk revealed here on Thursday. Speaking at an event organised by Novo Nordisk Pakistan titled, 'Unordinary Partnerships to Shape a Healthier Tomorrow' that brought together healthcare professionals, policymakers, and leaders to address the crucial issue of serious chronic diseases, particularly obesity, which impacts millions across Pakistan. The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan, Jakob Linulf, along with the senior management of Novo Nordisk Pakistan. Speaking at the occasion, Jakob Linulf, the Danish ambassador to Pakistan, emphasised on the importance of collaboration, in healthcare by Danish companies like Novo Nordisk operating in Pakistan. He said, 'Partnerships are essential in the fight against obesity. Together, we can foster a healthier society and defeat obesity. I am confident that this culture will continue to positively impact the people of Pakistan'. He said that tackling the issue of diabetes will help increase life expectancy by 10 years from 67 to 77 years, besides increasing productivity. The health experts said that in all the developed countries refined sugar was heavily taxed as it only damages human health with zero benefits, while in Pakistan the government was providing subsidies to the sugar industry. They said that only through creating awareness and controlling the mass use of sugar, the country can save up to $2.6 billion which is being used for the treatment of obesity-related diseases. They further said that obesity is a direct impact of sugary drinks which in Pakistan was responsible for 400,000 deaths annually, higher than smoking. Pakistan at present is ranking third globally on diabetes and top-ranked on account of spreading sugar-related health issues. They said that obesity and non-communicable diseases, especially diabetes and heart diseases are increasing at an alarming rate in Pakistan to deal with the situation, immediate policy measures including increasing taxes on sugary drinks to prevent further losses are inevitable. They said as per International Diabetes Federation, 'Pakistan has the 3rd highest burden of diabetes worldwide with 33 million people living with the disease. In addition, Pakistan is unfortunately the world number 1 country with fastest growth of diabetes over the last one decade. If no immediate policy measures are taken, the number of people living with diabetes will increase to 62 million in Pakistan by 2045.' The cost of diabetes management in 2021 had reached to $2.640 billion in Pakistan which has serious consequence on the economy. Increased consumption of sugary drinks is among the major contributors to rapid spread of diabetes. The research proved that increasing tax on sugary drinks is an evidence-based strategy to reduce their consumption, obesity and diabetes. Rashed Rafique Butt, general manager of Novo Nordisk Pakistan, shared the organisation 100-year legacy of embracing new ideas and different approaches to defeat serious chronic disease which is reflected in their new corporate brand platform - Unordinary Drives Change. He stated, 'Having pioneered scientific breakthroughs, and with over 25 years of obesity research, our GLP-1 treatment supports millions in achieving effective weight loss. Addressing obesity requires collaboration and concerted efforts with diverse network of organizations and stakeholders including government, associations, communities and NGOs—to overcome barriers and drive real change for a healthier future for all'. Highlighting the urgent need for action, Dr Javed Akram, president Pakistan Society of Internal Medicine, emphasised that obesity affects nearly 38 million people in Pakistan and is classified as a disease by the World Health Organization. He acknowledged the extensive impact of obesity on both individuals and the healthcare system. Dr AH Amir, president Pakistan Society of Obesity urged the stakeholders to prioritise countering obesity in the public health discussions, advocating for an inclusive approach that promotes prevention and management while combating the stigma around obesity through effective media campaigns. The event concluded with a unified call to action, encouraging attendees to raise awareness and build collaborative efforts to combat the obesity epidemic in Pakistan. Novo Nordisk Pakistan remains committed to dedicated to leading the way in defeating obesity where healthier, longer lives are not just a possibility for some, but a reality for many. Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company founded in 1923 and headquartered in Denmark. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
