Mounjaro-maker Eli Lilly targets India as global export hub amid booming sales, executive says

Eli Lilly's Ambitious Push into India

Eli Lilly, the American pharmaceutical powerhouse behind the wildly popular weight-loss drug Mounjaro, is making a bold move to transform India into a cornerstone of its worldwide operations.

A senior executive recently revealed plans to leverage a previously announced $1 billion investment in the country's contract manufacturing sector. This isn't just about serving the local market; the company aims to produce drugs in India for export to the rest of the world, building a more resilient global supply chain. Winselow Tucker, president and general manager for Eli Lilly in India, shared these insights during a conference in Hyderabad, highlighting the strategic shift driven by booming demand for innovative treatments.

Mounjaro's Rapid Rise Fuels Expansion

Since its launch in India, Mounjaro has seen sales double within months, quickly becoming the company's top-selling product by revenue in the market.

This success underscores the growing need for obesity treatments in a nation expected to have the world's second-largest obese population by 2050. India offers a potent mix of skilled workers, cost-effective production, and a mature contract manufacturing ecosystem, making it ideal for scaling up. Eli Lilly doesn't yet have its own factories there but plans to partner with local firms to churn out medicines for international shipment. The move comes as global trade tensions and supply disruptions push companies to diversify away from traditional hubs like the U.S. and Europe.

Navigating Competition and Future Plans

Eli Lilly faces stiff rivalry in India from Danish rival Novo Nordisk, maker of the competing weight-loss injection Wegovy. With patents on similar drugs nearing expiration, local firms are poised to launch cheaper generic versions, intensifying a pricing battle.

"We are actually looking at India to be a hub, part of our global supply chain, and therefore supplying the world. We will continue to look at that investment and scale that over time." – Winselow Tucker, president and general manager, Eli Lilly and Company (India)

Yet, the company stands firm on Mounjaro's value-based pricing, arguing it reflects the drug's superior effectiveness. To broaden access, Eli Lilly is ramping up digital campaigns and social media efforts to raise obesity awareness, especially in smaller cities. Partnerships with Indian players like Cipla, and digital platforms such as Tata 1MG, Practo, and Apollo, are expanding distribution beyond big metros. Looking ahead, more products are on the horizon, including the Alzheimer's treatment donanemab and an experimental oral obesity drug called orforglipron, once regulators give the green light.

These steps signal a long-term bet on India's potential as both a massive consumer base and a production powerhouse.

Broader Implications for Global Pharma

This pivot reflects wider trends in the pharmaceutical industry, where companies seek to de-risk supply chains amid geopolitical shifts and rising demand for high-value drugs. India's established pharma infrastructure positions it well to become an export leader, potentially boosting local jobs and logistics sectors.

For Eli Lilly, success here could solidify its edge in the obesity and chronic disease markets, even as pricing pressures loom from generics. The strategy also tests the company's ability to balance premium pricing with accessibility in price-sensitive emerging economies. Overall, this investment could reshape how global drugmakers view India—not just as a destination for affordable generics, but as a source of cutting-edge exports.

In summary, Eli Lilly's $1 billion commitment positions India as a global supply hub, propelled by Mounjaro's explosive sales, while eyeing new drug launches amid competitive pricing challenges.