Eli Lilly and Co. has entered into an agreement with India-based drugmaker Cipla to sell its blockbuster weight-loss drug, tirzepatide, under a different brand name, the company announced Thursday.
Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in Lilly’s popular Mounjaro, which is approved for use in adults with Type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound, which is approved for chronic weight management for adults with obesity.
Under the agreement, Cipla will market the drug under the brand name Yurpeak. Lilly will continue to manufacture the drug.
Wineslow Tucker, president and general manager of Lilly’s India division, said in a written statement that the agreement “furthers Lilly’s commitment to expanding access to innovative treatments.”
“Our mission—to make life better for people around the world—drives our commitment to accelerate the introduction of innovative medicines and expand access to hard-to-reach communities,” Tucker said. “With India facing a growing burden of Type 2 diabetes and obesity, broader availability of tirzepatide will ensure that more patients can benefit from this innovative therapy.”
Yurpeak will be available as a pre-filled injectable, available in doses ranging from 2.5 milligrams to 15 milligrams.
Sales of Mounjaro in vials began in India last spring, according to Reuters, before the Kwikpen device was approved for use there. At launch, the 2.5-milligram dose of Mounjaro was priced at 14,000 rupees, or about $160.
“At Cipla, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing patient care by facilitating access to the best of global scientific innovation,” Achin Gupta, global chief operating officer of Cipla, said in a written statement. “Our partnership with Lilly reflects our resolve to address one of the most pressing health concerns of our time and offer patients innovative, accessible solutions that can transform health outcomes.”
Earlier this month, the company confirmed plans to invest more than $1 billion to increase contract manufacturing in the country over the next several years. As part of the expansion plan, Lilly will establish a new manufacturing and quality hub in the southern India city of Hyderabad.