Eli Lilly and Cipla Join Forces to Launch New Weight-Loss Drug “Yurpeak” in India
BENGALURU, October 23, 2025 — In a major development for India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, Eli Lilly and Company (LLY.N) has entered into a strategic partnership with Indian drugmaker Cipla Ltd. (CIPL.NS) to market its globally popular weight-loss and diabetes treatment drug under a new brand name — Yurpeak — in India.
Under the terms of the agreement, Eli Lilly will handle manufacturing, while Cipla will be responsible for marketing and distribution of the new brand. The partnership is expected to significantly expand access to cutting-edge obesity and diabetes care across the Indian market.
About Yurpeak: A New Chapter in India’s Fight Against Obesity and Diabetes
Yurpeak, based on Eli Lilly’s blockbuster molecule tirzepatide, will be available as a once-weekly pre-filled injector pen, mirroring the company’s internationally renowned Mounjaro Kwikpen. The drug has been designed to enable healthcare providers to personalize weight-loss and glucose-control treatments based on patient needs.
The companies confirmed that Yurpeak will be priced identically to Mounjaro, ensuring affordability for patients in India. It will come in six dose strengths — 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg — providing flexibility in treatment progression.
“Our collaboration with Cipla will make this world-class therapy more accessible to Indian patients who are managing obesity or type 2 diabetes,” an Eli Lilly spokesperson said in a statement.
Tirzepatide: A Game-Changer in GLP-1 Therapy
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Yurpeak and Mounjaro, belongs to a new generation of GLP-1 receptor agonists — medications that help regulate blood sugar levels, slow gastric emptying, and promote a feeling of fullness, thereby aiding both weight loss and glycemic control.
The drug has shown remarkable results in clinical trials and has become one of the fastest-growing obesity and diabetes treatments globally. Analysts project that tirzepatide could dominate the global weight management drug market, which is expected to surpass $150 billion by 2030.
Lilly’s Expanding Footprint in India
Eli Lilly launched Mounjaro in India in March 2025 for diabetes and obesity management, initially offering 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials. Following regulatory approval for the Kwikpen device in June 2025, sales have more than doubled within months, reflecting robust demand and growing patient awareness about weight management solutions.
This latest agreement with Cipla marks Lilly’s continued effort to broaden access and accelerate local distribution, leveraging Cipla’s deep market presence and healthcare outreach in India.
“With Yurpeak, we are committed to bringing innovative, high-quality treatments to millions of Indians seeking better weight and diabetes management,” Cipla said in an official statement.
Market and Healthcare Impact
India currently faces one of the world’s highest burdens of diabetes and obesity, with more than 100 million adults estimated to be diabetic, according to the International Diabetes Federation. The introduction of Yurpeak is expected to play a vital role in addressing this growing public health challenge.
The move also aligns with the government’s “Make in India” and “Healthy India” initiatives, encouraging partnerships that bring global innovations to Indian patients at affordable prices.
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