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.

Chemically known as tirzepatide, Mounjaro is currently sold in the UK and Europe under the same brand name for both diabetes and weight loss. It is sold as Zepbound for obesity in the United States.

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.