Eli Lilly launched its blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro in India on Thursday, beating rival Novo Nordisk for a much-awaited entry into the world's most populous country grappling with increasing rates of obesity and diabetes.

The global weight-loss drug market is expected to reach $150 billion in the next decade. By 2026, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) will go off-patent in India, allowing local firms to introduce cheaper alternatives.

Eli Lilly launches Mounjaro, the much-awaited diabetes drug, in India. It is priced at ₹3,500 for 2.5 mg. Mounjaro and Ozempic, another popular obesity drug, differ in active ingredients. Let’s take a look at how both drugs tackle type 2 diabetes.