Cipla is betting big on its partnership with Eli Lilly to commercialize tirzepatide, the blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drug sold globally under the brand name Mounjaro, as it seeks to deepen access across India’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns.
Outgoing CEO Umang Vohra called the deal a “material product for Cipla,” underscoring the strategic importance of the tie-up with Lilly, which already sells the drug in India. Cipla will market the product under the brand name Yurpeak, leveraging its expansive distribution network and field force to reach underserved geographies.
“The purpose of what we’re trying to do is to take the product much deeper into India,” Vohra said during a post-earnings media interaction. “Cipla will lend the might of its distribution and field force to take the product into the interiors of India.”
The company sees no supply constraints for tirzepatide, a concern that has plagued other players in the GLP-1 space globally. Vohra confirmed that Cipla has “no limitation” on the number of doses it can commercialize, citing Lilly’s ability to scale capacity.
“We think there is enough capacity that can be made available for this product from Eli Lilly,” Vohra said. “It depends on how quickly we are able to seed the market and create awareness among doctors and patients.”
While Cipla declined to disclose financial terms of the agreement, Cipla's tirzepatide brand will be priced similar to Mounjaro.
Vohra hinted that margin structures would be similar to previous deals with Lilly. Cipla already sells a significant portion of Lilly’s portfolio in India, making this an extension of a trusted partnership.
The move positions Cipla to tap into India’s growing demand for chronic therapies, which now account for 62% of its domestic portfolio. It also aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand its innovation footprint over the next five to seven years.
“Cipla must become an innovation player… stronger and bigger than where it is today,” Vohra said, adding that the company will continue investing in next-gen therapies.
As Cipla prepares for a leadership transition, with Achin Gupta set to take over as CEO in April 2026, the Mounjaro deal signals continuity in Cipla’s patient-first approach and its ambition to lead in chronic care innovation.
On the launch of generic Wegovy/Ozempic, Vohra said Cipla views tirzepatide as a scientifically superior molecule compared to semaglutide.
He said the company is still pursuing semaglutide, but its launch timeline is uncertain and will depend on regulatory approvals.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
