On October 24, 2025, Eli Lilly and Company announced a strategic collaboration with Cipla Limited, a leading Indian pharmaceutical firm, to distribute and promote Yurpeak® (tirzepatide injection) in India. Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight accompanied by at least one weight-related comorbidity. Marketed as Yurpeak® in this partnership, it represents Lilly’s entry into India’s burgeoning market for anti-obesity therapies.
The agreement grants Cipla exclusive rights for the promotion, distribution, and commercialization of Yurpeak® throughout India. Cipla, with its robust infrastructure spanning over 5,000 retail outlets and a strong presence in chronic disease management, will drive market penetration. Lilly will continue to manufacture and supply the product, ensuring quality and supply chain reliability. The deal is set for an initial term of five years, with options for extension based on performance milestones. Financial details, including upfront payments or royalties, were not disclosed, though analysts estimate potential annual sales exceeding $100 million within three years, given India’s 135 million obese adults.
This partnership aligns with India’s escalating obesity crisis, where prevalence has tripled since 1990, per WHO data, straining healthcare resources. Tirzepatide’s efficacy—demonstrated in SURMOUNT trials with up to 22.5% average weight loss—positions it as a game-changer. Cipla’s expertise in diabetes and respiratory segments complements Lilly’s innovation, aiming to educate healthcare providers and patients on injectable GLP-1 therapies.
Umang Vohra, Managing Director and Global CEO of Cipla, stated, “Partnering with Lilly allows us to bring cutting-edge solutions to millions, accelerating our mission to make healthcare accessible.” Patrik Jonsson, Executive Vice President of Lilly and President of Lilly International, added, “India’s market is pivotal for obesity care; this collaboration with Cipla will democratize access to transformative treatments.”
The deal follows Lilly’s global success with tirzepatide (branded as Mounjaro® for diabetes and Zepbound® for weight loss), amid surging demand. Challenges include pricing pressures and competition from generics, but Cipla’s local footprint could mitigate these. Regulatory approvals for Yurpeak® in India are pending, expected by Q1 2026. This move underscores Lilly’s focus on emerging markets, potentially paving the way for further alliances in Asia. Long-term, it could influence guidelines, integrating GLP-1/GIP agonists into national obesity programs.
