Eli Lilly, the $45 billion US pharmaceutical giant known globally for its blockbuster weight-loss treatment Mounjaro (tirzepatide), aims to transform India from an underperforming market into a growth engine by addressing the country’s rising diabetes and obesity challenges. Just days after the India launch of Mounjaro, which targets type 2 diabetes and obesity, at a fraction of its US price of over $1,000 per month, David Ricks, chair and chief executive officer of Eli Lilly and Company, highlighted India as one of the most “exciting economic stories globally.” Excerpts from an interview with TOI.
It must be an exciting time to be here just days after the launch of Mounjaro. How do you see Indian market evolving?
The therapy is really transformative, and many people were already seeking it in India. It highlights the power of innovation and what Mounjaro is doing for millions worldwide.
Tirzepatide is a first-in-class treatment that activates two hormone receptors – glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) -which play key roles in regulating blood sugar and appetite. We’re optimistic about India’s growth and expect to expand significantly with more access to life-saving treatments. India is the 14th largest market, but most of it is dominated by generics rather than innovative medicines. We believe both can coexist and generics play a key role in public health. Our goal is to introduce more innovative medicines to the market, while maintaining the importance of generics.
This is your third visit to India as CEO. How do you assess the Indian market over the years ?
India is one of the most exciting economic stories globally. It’s a vast country and achieving scale can be challenging, but the pace of progress here is remarkable. Lilly has expanded operations here and India is now our second-largest market for employment (after US). We’ve opened a new service centre at Hyderabad, and are leveraging Indian talent for global performance. We have a good history here and are expanding here (Hyderabad GCC).
How does Trump’s policies and reshoring impact supply chain for companies like yours?
It’s a modest effect for us. We tend to make our own APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and drug product. We have a flexible supply chain and multiple manufacturing hubs around the world, including in the US, Europe, and Asia.
As regards diabetes, how do you see the future evolving with new treatments?
We’ve been serving people with diabetes for over 100 years. And, insulin still is a backbone of glucose management for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The rise in diabetes, driven by obesity, is a major concern. We have a number of oral medications in development, including an oral GLP-1 one, with results anticipated in the second quarter. We also have data from Mounjaro showing a dramatic reduction in the risk of developing diabetes. If we can scale these treatments, we could slow rise of diabetes significantly.
How is AI is being utilised in the pharma industry ?
We use artificial intelligence to improve efficiency in clinical trials, manufacturing, and drug development. AI helps us scale and speed up processes. We’re also using AI in our research and development, collaborating with external partners.
