Ozempic rolls out in India amid surging demand for diabetes treatments

Novo Nordisk launched its blockbuster diabetes drug Ozempic, pricing the 0.25 mg dose at $24.35 per week, aiming to capture a vast majority share of the country’s rapidly expanding market for  treatments related to weight loss and and rising diabetes rates on Friday.

As reported by Reuters, Ozempic will be sold in pen format in 0.25 mg and 1mg doses.

However, monthly prices are 8,800 rupees for 0.25 mg, 10,170 rupees for 0.5 mg, and 11,175 rupees for 1mg, with each pen covering at least four weekly doses.

According to recent data, India has the world’s second-largest population of type 2 diabetes patients after China, and the country is also dealing with increasing obesity rates.

Ozempic was initially approved in the United States in 2017 for Type 2 diabetes, but it is now an international player used for weight loss. It helps to lessen the risk of cardiovascular and kidney issues.

In this connection, consultant endocrinologist at Mumbai-based Lilavati Hospital said that the drug can be prescribed only by endocrinologists or internal medicine specialists and is not intended for cosmetic use.

Novo Nordisk faces certain challenges from Eli Lilly, whose Mounjaro is approved for diabetes and weight loss, while Novo’s Wegovy, which also uses semaglutide, was launched in India in June.

In addition, Novo had future plans to gain an initial advantage before cheaper domestic versions arrived.

Nonetheless, Novo Nordisk is focused on capitalizing on the growth in India’s chronic market to secure a pivotal position before the market inevitably becomes more challenging.