INDIA OBESITY MARKET
Fatty liver warning: 3 common ‘healthy’ foods that experts say can harm without you knowing
Many foods marketed as healthy can unexpectedly harm the liver when consumed in excess. Green tea extracts, low-fat packaged foods, and high-dose turmeric supplements may contribute to fatty liver disease by increasing fat deposits, straining liver function, or triggering inflammation. Experts emphasize moderation and informed dietary choices as essential for protecting liver health.
Eli Lilly's obesity drug Mounjaro's India sales hit a sweet spot within six months of launch
Lilly's Mounjaro has rapidly become the second-highest selling drug in India's pharmaceutical market, achieving ₹233 crore in sales within six months of its March launch. The weight-loss and diabetes medication posted ₹80 crore in September sales, surpassing popular brands and attributed to its superior efficacy and first-mover advantage over competitors.
Eli Lilly to invest $1 billion in India, expand manufacturing and introduce oral weight-loss drug
Eli Lilly is significantly expanding its Indian operations with over $1 billion in contract manufacturing investments and plans for a global capability center. The US pharma giant is positioning India as a key hub, preparing to introduce an oral version of its experimental weight loss drug orforglipron and a new manufacturing hub in Hyderabad.
Top tech and startup stories this week
Welcome to a new edition of ETtech Unwrapped — our weekend newsletter packed with the most important stories this week. Let's take a look.
Weight-loss drug Ozempic to debut in India soon
Novo Nordisk will launch Ozempic in India. This injectable drug manages type 2 diabetes and aids weight loss. It enters a competitive market against Eli Lilly's Mounjaro. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy also competes. The company's semaglutide patent expires next year, allowing generic versions. India has a large population with diabetes and obesity. Ozempic offers significant health benefits.
India's Fortis to expand obesity clinics amid weight-loss therapy boom, CEO says
Fortis Healthcare will expand its obesity clinic network. This decision follows increased demand for weight management solutions. Popular weight-loss drugs have boosted patient awareness. The company will add thirteen clinics across several states. These clinics will offer comprehensive programs. The Indian obesity drug market has seen significant growth. Fortis also plans a major investment in hospital expansion.
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High BP at 7, heart problem in 50s? Ignoring your child’s blood pressure could trigger deadly heart risks; Experts explain what to do
New research shows high blood pressure in young children may lead to heart problems later in life. The study highlights the need for early blood pressure checks. Childhood hypertension is rising in India, especially in cities. Lifestyle factors contribute to this increase. Doctors stress early detection and intervention are crucial. Addressing this issue can prevent future heart disease.
After Mounjaro Jab, Eli Lilly plans weight loss pill launch in India
Eli Lilly plans to launch an oral weight loss drug, orforglipron, after Mounjaro's India success. Regulatory submissions are expected soon, with potential approvals by 2026. This pill targets a broader patient group than injectables. Studies show orforglipron offers better weight loss and glucose control compared to Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide.
Spice and crunch: Why India's namkeen market is hot
India's rapidly expanding snacks market is attracting significant interest from global giants like General Mills and PepsiCo, alongside private equity firms, all vying for a piece of the action. This surge is fueled by urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, and a youthful population eager for diverse snacking options.
Stop wasting money on packaged 'health foods': Kareena Kapoor’s dietician reveals the real foods that truly keep your body healthy
Rujuta Diwekar champions home-cooked meals over packaged alternatives, emphasizing their health benefits and historical significance. She advocates for traditional foods like khichdi, buffalo milk, and poha, highlighting their superior nutritional value and gut-friendly properties compared to trendy options like keto and protein bars. Diwekar advises balancing modern foods with a predominantly home-cooked diet for optimal well-being.
Mal-Nutritious India can be future-unfit
A Unicef report reveals a rise in childhood obesity, surpassing underweight issues. This trend is prominent in nations like India. Ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles are major factors. The Indian government aims to improve nutrition and physical activity. Policies on food labeling and subsidies are crucial. Without action, India risks a future health crisis and demographic challenges.
From kids to adults, no one is safe: UNICEF reveals alarming spike in obesity across India, & the urgent steps needed to fight it
India, grappling with persistent undernutrition, now faces a surge in childhood obesity, surpassing underweight as the primary malnutrition form. This rise, fueled by ultra-processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and aggressive marketing, poses significant health and economic threats. Experts advocate for stricter regulations, nutrition education, and proactive measures to combat this emerging epidemic and safeguard future generations.
Natco Pharma sues Novo Nordisk in generic drug push
The lawyers representing Natco Pharma informed the court that over the past few months it had approached Novo Nordisk to communicate on its non-infringing patents but received no response, said people familiar with the matter. "A clear communication from the innovator may trigger a generic launch of the drug in India, sinking the prospects for Wegovy's sales and so that may be seen as a delaying tactic," said an expert, who did not wish to be identified.
Trump's tariffs will crush India's exporters, threatening livelihoods
India's economy is bracing for impact. The US tariffs on Indian exports are set to double. Carpet makers and other industries face potential ruin. Millions could fall into poverty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for self-reliance. The move is seen as a setback for free trade. Workers in villages dependent on exports are worried.
Food Chained: How weight-loss drugs are changing India’s eating habits and forcing restaurants to take note
New diabetes and obesity drugs, like Mounjaro and Ozempic, are changing people's relationships with food. While these drugs help control diabetes and promote weight loss by altering taste and reducing hunger, some users experience a loss of enjoyment in eating and even develop food anxieties.
Independence Day 2025: PM Modi's full speech
Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation on the 79th Independence Day, highlighting India's progress towards self-reliance and development. He emphasized achievements in sectors like defense, technology, and energy, while also addressing challenges such as terrorism and demographic changes.
Eli Lilly launches Mounjaro KwikPen for diabetes, obesity treatment in India
Eli Lilly has launched Mounjaro in KwikPen, a prefilled pen for weekly administration, in India to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Priced from Rs 14,000, it offers personalized treatment with six dose strengths. Mounjaro, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, is a prescription-only medication to be used under medical supervision.
Weight-loss drug Mounjaro crosses Rs 100 crore sales in 4 months
The drug clocked Rs 47-crore sales in July, double its June figure, according to data from prescriptions tracker PharmaTrac. If this month-on-month doubling of sales continues, Mounjaro’s revenue could cross Rs 500 crore by March, experts estimate.
Novo Nordisk's Wegovy, Mounjaro sales in India double on month in July
Sales of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro in India doubled in July, according to Pharmarack data. Wegovy, launched in June, saw sales more than double to 5,000 units, while Mounjaro sales also doubled to 157,000 units. Mounjaro's sales have soared 15 times since its March launch in India.
Indian generics wave next year set to sink obesity drug price
Leading Indian drugmakers are preparing to launch generic versions of semaglutide by March. Analysts predict a significant price drop, potentially up to 80%. This will make the drug more accessible to obese and diabetes patients. The domestic weight-loss drug market is expected to grow substantially. Semaglutide patent expiry will trigger price erosion and increased adoption.
Obesity drugs gain weight in labs: Several clinical trials by big and small pharma cos underway
Driven by the success of Wegovy and Mounjaro, numerous pharma companies are developing anti-obesity drugs, with over 170 in various stages. While giants like Novartis and GSK are cautious, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk lead the race. Research expands beyond GLP-1 targets, exploring oral options and addressing conditions like MASH and CVD.
India's children face health risks as tariff-free British junk food enters market under new FTA
India-Britain FTA may allow tariff-free entry for British food. This includes chocolate and soft drinks. A similar FTA with EU nations indicates cheaper chocolates. Concerns arise about unhealthy diets and childhood obesity. Narendra Modi launched an anti-obesity campaign. Strong regulations are needed on marketing HFSS foods. The health ministry needs to act boldly. Otherwise, Indian children will pay the price.
Obesity lab: India becomes ground zero for weight-loss drug race
India is emerging as a key player in the global weight management industry, driven by a rising obesity crisis and the impending patent expirations of blockbuster drugs. Pharmaceutical giants are launching innovative anti-obesity medications, while Indian companies gear up to produce affordable generic versions. Government support and incentives further position India as a major exporter of these crucial medications.
ET Graphics: Weight loss drugs Tirzepatide, Semaglutide dominate India, misuse fears rise
Tirzepatide and semaglutide dominate India's anti-obesity drug market, holding a 75% share. While seen as vital tools by doctors, experts caution against misuse, particularly among young adults. Aggressive marketing and social media trends are fueling peer pressure, potentially leading to inappropriate use of these weight-loss medications.
Novo Nordisk launches blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy in India; Check price, dosage and other details
Novo Nordisk has introduced its weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in India. This launch follows Eli Lilly's entry into the market. The company aims to tap into India's large population with obesity. They estimate a significant number of individuals could benefit from the drug. Wegovy's potential cardiovascular, liver, and kidney advantages are also a factor.
India’s anti-obesity drug market quadruples in five years on lifestyle disease surge
India's anti-obesity drug market has surged, growing over fourfold in five years, reaching Rs 576 crore by March 2025. Semaglutide pill Rybelsus is a key driver, capturing 69% of the market. The introduction of Mounjaro and upcoming launch of Wegovy are expected to further accelerate growth, driven by rising lifestyle diseases and increased willingness to pay for treatment.
₹14,000 per month weight-loss shot is here to cash in on India’s obesity crisis
Eli Lilly Weight Loss Drug: India's obesity crisis is intensifying, with big pharma companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk competing to introduce weight-loss drugs in the market. The economic impact is enormous, and local generics are preparing to offer more affordable alternatives to combat this growing health issue.
India to make drugs for diabetes, obesity under PLI by 2026, says report
India plans to incentivize local manufacturing of GLP-1 drugs, crucial for treating diabetes and obesity, starting in 2026, as per a government official speaking to Reuters. These drugs, originally approved for diabetes treatment, are also used for obesity due to their ability to slow digestion and reduce appetite. Novo Nordisk's patent on semaglutide, a key ingredient in popular drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, is set to expire in India by 2026. Indian companies are already preparing to manufacture these drugs under the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.
Corona inks agreement with Kitozyme for a fat binder anti-obesity drug
Belgium life science company, Kitozyme entered into in-licensing agreement with Corona Remedies for fat binder anti-obesity drug.
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