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US drugmaker Eli Lilly's launch of its popular weight-loss drug Mounjaro in India has caused a major stir across clinics and hospitals, with hundreds of patient inquiries flooding in since its release.

The surge highlights India's growing interest in obesity treatment and positions Lilly ahead of rivals in the market.

Doctors and clinics across the country have reported a sharp rise in demand.

Elevate Now, a weight-loss clinic based in Delhi, reportedly received more than 200 inquiries within just one week.

According to founder Suryansh Kumar, the surge in interest followed the launch of Mounjaro, which he noted in a LinkedIn update as a significant driver of the recent uptick in customer engagement, BusinessStandard said.

Priced at ₹3,500 to ₹4,375 ($40.68 to $50.86) depending on dosage, Mounjaro is significantly more affordable in India than its US list price of $1,079.77 per month.

Indian patients can expect to pay around $200 per month for weekly 5 mg doses—far less than sourcing it through unofficial channels or abroad.

For many, the local launch brings long-awaited relief. Vikram, a 57-year-old medical professional from Bengaluru, had been getting the drug from Dubai for the past eight months. "It will be a lot more convenient to get it now," he said, having lost over 23% of his body weight while using Mounjaro.

The availability of an approved, local option is also a win against black market dependency.

Dr. Muffazal Lakdawala, head of surgery at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, said patients are switching from unregulated sources or from drugs like Ozempic—Novo Nordisk's diabetes medication often used off-label for weight loss.

"A lot of our patients who used to take Ozempic have now switched over to taking Mounjaro because of its availability in India," Lakdawala told Reuters.

Mounjaro Sparks 20% Spike in Inquiries at Manipal Hospitals

Other clinics are seeing the trend too. Manipal Hospitals in Bengaluru has experienced a 20% rise in weight-loss drug inquiries, according to endocrinologist Abhijit Bhograj.

Interest in Mounjaro is growing even among individuals who have previously undergone weight-loss procedures.

According to Reuters, one such patient, 32-year-old Keerthi Reddy, who had bariatric surgery, recently received her first injection.

She noted that her decision was influenced by the positive outcomes experienced by friends and family overseas who had already tried the medication.

But doctors are urging caution. Dr. Amar Vennapusa, a Hyderabad-based bariatric surgeon, emphasized the need for informed use, saying, "There needs to be wider awareness on usage." He received over 100 calls in just two days after announcing the drug's availability.

Mounjaro works by mimicking two hormones, GIP and GLP-1, that help control hunger and blood sugar levels. Though it was first approved for type 2 diabetes, its weight-loss effects have driven rising global interest.

With India expected to have the second-largest obese population by 2050, the early launch of Mounjaro may give Eli Lilly a head start. Rival Novo Nordisk is reportedly trying to speed up the rollout of Wegovy, its competing drug, as local companies race to develop cheaper generics.

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Eli Lilly, India