New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- US drugmaker Eli Lilly has struck a deal with domestic drug giant Cipla Ltd to widen the reach of its blockbuster weight loss drug tirzepatide, doubling down on India's booming market ahead of an impending wave of anti-obesity generics.

Eli Lilly, which already sells its weight loss drug in India under the Mounjaro brand, will supply the drug to Cipla, which will promote and retail it under a second brand name, Yurpeak. Both drugs will cost the same.

"This strategic agreement aims to expand the availability of tirzepatide by enabling broader access across the country beyond cities where Lilly already has an established presence," the two companies said in a joint release on Thursday.

The idea of roping in Cipla is...