Eli Lilly said on Thursday that India's drug regulator had approved the launch of pre-filled injector pens of its blockbuster weight-loss drug, Mounjaro, giving it more options to compete with Novo Nordisk's recently launched Wegovy.

With Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy already in the market, Eli Lilly is stepping up its game with a patient-friendly pen device, intensifying the race for India's booming obesity drug market.

US pharma giant Eli Lilly has secured Indian regulatory approval to market Mounjaro, its widely used diabetes and weight-loss drug. Available in six dosages, Mounjaro helps manage type 2 diabetes and chronic obesity by regulating blood sugar and appetite.