New Delhi, March 20 -- Eli Lilly has launched its blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro in India following approval from the country's drug regulator, it said on Thursday.

Global demand for Lilly's diabetes and weight-loss drugs has soared, with the launch presenting a big market opportunity for the U.S.b-ased drug company as India, world's most populous country, is seeing increasing rates of obesity and diabetes.

"The dual burden of obesity and type 2 diabetes is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge in India," said President and General Manager Winselow Tucker at Lilly India.

India has about 101 million people living with diabetes and obesity, a chronic relapsing disease, is a major risk factor for diabetes...