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Eli Lilly wants to be part of making a big dent in obesity and diabetes, says co's India head Winselow Tucker
The Economic Times· 2025-11-19 13:35
Core Insights - The unmet need in India is significant, with nearly 100 million people living with obesity and diabetes who could benefit from tirzepatide [1] - Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is the first therapy targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, providing substantial efficacy in weight management and glucose control [2][11] - The company emphasizes the importance of education and awareness around obesity to combat stigma and promote appropriate treatment options [3][6] Product Strategy - The dual-action mechanism of tirzepatide distinguishes it from other treatments, achieving an average weight reduction of 20.2% compared to 13.7% for semaglutide [11] - The SURPASS-2 trial demonstrated that tirzepatide reduced HbA1c by up to 2.46 percentage points and body weight by up to 12.4 kg, outperforming semaglutide [11] - The company plans to maintain both vials and KwikPens in the market to cater to patient preferences and enhance adherence [17][24] Partnerships and Collaborations - Strategic partnerships with organizations like Apollo Clinic and Cipla are crucial for expanding access and building a robust obesity-care ecosystem [7][16] - The collaboration with Cipla for the second brand Yurpeak aims to extend tirzepatide's reach beyond major cities [7][16] Market Positioning and Pricing - The pricing strategy is based on the unique value and efficacy of tirzepatide, with no plans for generic versions in the near future [9][11] - The company acknowledges the diverse economic landscape in India and aims to reach a broad patient population [10] Investment and Manufacturing - A significant investment of over $1 billion is planned to enhance contract manufacturing capabilities in India, supporting the global supply chain [18][19] - The establishment of a technology and innovation site in Hyderabad is expected to drive growth and efficiency in drug development [20] Future Outlook - The company is exploring the potential of orforglipron, an investigational oral weight loss drug, to complement its injectable offerings [13][24] - There is a commitment to meeting the growing demand for GLP-1 drugs in India, with ongoing investments to increase production capacity [21][22]