Eli Lilly ties up with Cipla for weight loss drug in new name

Eli Lilly's idea behind roping in Cipla is to penetrate markets which are currently beyond its reach

- Jessica Jani

US drugmaker Eli Lilly has struck a deal with domestic drug giant Cipla Ltd to widen the reach of its blockbuster weight loss drug tirzepatide, doubling down on India's booming market ahead of an impending wave of anti-obesity generics.

Eli Lilly, which already sells its weight loss drug in India under the Mounjaro brand, will supply the drug to Cipla, which will promote and retail it under a second brand name, Yurpeak. Both drugs will cost the same.

Yurpeak will be available as a once-weekly pre-filled injector pen with four doses each, same as Lilly's Mounjaro Kwikpen, allowing healthcare providers to personalize treatment plans to individual patient needs.