Eli Lilly launched its blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro in India on Thursday, beating rival Novo Nordisk for a much-awaited entry into the world's most populous country grappling with increasing rates of obesity and diabetes.

Eli Lilly and Co. has begun selling its blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes drug Mounjaro in India, pipping rivals in a country that has the world’s third-largest number of obese people.

US pharma giant Eli Lilly has ventured into India with an anti-obesity and diabetes drug called Mounjaro. This development comes after the drug’s approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).