Novo Nordisk has officially launched its popular drug Ozempic in India, marking a significant step in the management of type 2 diabetes and addressing the increasing demand for weight loss treatments. The drug, a once-weekly injectable, has gained global recognition for its effectiveness in controlling blood sugar levels and aiding weight loss.
Pricing and Availability
Ozempic will be available in India in three different strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg. The pricing for the lowest dose (0.25 mg) starts at ₹2,200 per week, which translates to approximately ₹8,800 per month. The 0.5 mg dose is priced at ₹10,170 per month, while the highest 1 mg dose will cost ₹11,175 per month. Each pen contains four weekly doses.
Why India Matters
India has the second-highest number of people living with type 2 diabetes, after China, coupled with rising obesity rates, making it a crucial market for global pharmaceutical companies. The launch of Ozempic in India is strategically timed to address this growing health challenge and capture a share of the rapidly expanding weight-loss market. Analysts estimate that this market could be worth as much as $150 billion annually by the end of the decade.
Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, stated that bringing Ozempic to India is a major milestone. He emphasized that Ozempic offers Indian doctors an effective treatment choice backed by global trust and proven clinical excellence. The goal is to provide patients with an innovative and accessible therapy that offers improved glycemic control, meaningful weight management, and long-term heart and kidney protection, all delivered through an easy-to-use pen device.
How Ozempic Works
Ozempic contains semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone (GLP-1) in the body. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. Specifically, Ozempic:
- Encourages insulin release when blood sugar is high.
- Delays stomach emptying, leading to a feeling of fullness for a longer period.
- Reduces appetite, which supports weight management.
Ozempic has benefits beyond glycemic control, including helping people with diabetes experience weight loss of up to 8 kilograms. The drug also offers cardiovascular and kidney protection.
Off-Label Use and Weight Loss
While Ozempic is approved for treating type 2 diabetes in India, it is also widely used off-label for weight loss due to its appetite-suppressing effects. Novo Nordisk also has Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide) and is specifically approved for weight loss.
Market Competition and Future Trends
The launch of Ozempic in India intensifies competition in the diabetes and weight-management sector. Eli Lilly has already launched Mounjaro in India, and Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in June. The market is expected to become even more competitive as the patent for semaglutide is set to expire in March 2026, potentially leading to the introduction of generic versions by domestic manufacturers. Some analysts predict that the prices of semaglutide drugs could significantly decrease after the patent expiry, potentially falling by 70% to 85% compared to current branded costs.
