Widely popular weight-loss drug Wegovy launched in India
Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has officially launched its flagship obesity drug Wegovy (semaglutide) in India, announced Managing Director Vikrant Shrotriya on Tuesday.Wegovy is a once-weekly GLP1 receptor agonist (separate from Ozempic), approved in India for the treatment of chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition.Wegovy is a once-weekly injection that contains semaglutide as its main ingredient—the same compound used in Novo Nordisk's blockbuster diabetes drug, Ozempic.advertisement
A lower-dose version of semaglutide has already been available in India since 2022 under the brand name Rybelsus, which comes in the form of a pill and is used to treat type 2 diabetes.Semaglutide works by copying the action of a natural hormone in the gut called GLP-1. This hormone sends signals to the brain that you're full, helping you eat less and regulate blood sugar.People using this drug have been shown to lose about 15% of their body weight over a little more than a year (68 weeks).The launch of Wegovy in India comes just before its patent for semaglutide expires next year. After that, several Indian pharmaceutical companies are expected to introduce cheaper generic versions, which could make the drug more affordable for many.Obesity is now recognised as a major cause of serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, kidney and liver disorders, and even some types of cancer.advertisementOriginally set for a 2026 release, Novo Nordisk advanced Wegovy's Indian debut to 2025 in response to intense competition, especially from Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which entered the market in March 2025.Both Wegovy and its rival drug Mounjaro (anti-obesity drug by Eli Lilly) are meant for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of obver 30.- EndsMust Watch
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20 minutes ago
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Weight loss drug Wegovy launched in India. How different is it from Lilly's Mounjaro? Check cost, other details
Wegovy in India: Adding to other weight loss drugs available in India such as Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk launched another option Wegovy as a once-a-week injection. Novo Nordisk said that Wegovy is prescribed to help manage weight and lower the risk of serious heart-related events in adults who have existing cardiovascular disease and are either overweight or obese. The launch of Wegovy comes months after Eli Lilly launched its weight loss drug 'Mounjaro' in India in March this year. Injection pens for the weight-loss treatment Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk A/S, on display during a news conference in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Novo Nordisk said it will sell its blockbuster weight-loss treatment Wegovy in India starting at $50 a week, tailoring the price to match the pocket of consumers in a nation with the world�s third-largest obese population. Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg Wegovy, which is a prescription medicine, will be available across India to the medical fraternity by June end, mentions a report by Fortune India. It will be sold as an injectable. As per the company, Wegovy's price will range around ₹ 17,345 to rs 26,050, depending on the dose. The weight loss drug will be offered as a once-weekly injection through an easy-to-use pen device, available in dose strengths of : 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg The Wegovy drug targets key areas of the brain that control appetite and food intake, helping to reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness, and curb food cravings—leading to weight loss over time. The drug also enhances insulin sensitivity and offers benefits in lowering the risk of cardiometabolic events and related health issues, said Novo Nordisk. Wegovy is approved for weight loss, but only if you are above a certain weight. Ozempic (also semaglutide) is used more for diabetes management. Drug name Founded by Availability Primary Use Active Ingredient Wegovy Novo Nordisk Available in India Indicated for weight loss and reducing cardiovascular events Semaglutide Ozempic Novo Nordisk Not officially launched in India Approved for type 2 diabetes; also lowers cardiovascular risk Semaglutide Mounjaro Eli Lilly Available in India Approved for type 2 diabetes; widely used for weight loss Terzepatide Responding to a query about potential of Wegovy and sales expectations from it, Novo Nordisk India Managing Director Vikrant Shrotriya said: "We are not chasing any number in India. What we are chasing is how to really create awareness among patients, healthcare professionals, and also work and collaborate with them in terms of bringing access to the product much faster."
News18
26 minutes ago
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Novo Nordisk Debuts Weight Loss Drug Wegovy In India, Starting At Rs 4,300: Country Chief To News18
Last Updated: Wegovy, to be in pharmacies by the end of June, has been launched in a pen-injection format with strengths ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk on Tuesday launched its highly anticipated weight-loss injection, Wegovy, in India, aiming to tap into the country's growing demand for anti-obesity drugs. The once-weekly injectable, made with the active compound semaglutide, is currently under distribution and will be available at pharmacy stores across India by the end of the month, Vikrant Shrotriya, Novo Nordisk's India managing director, told News18 in an exclusive interaction. 'The drug has been sent to distributors today and will be made available very soon. It will be available across pharmacies before the end of this month," he said. Wegovy has been launched in a pen-injection format with strengths ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg. The initial three doses—0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg—are all priced at Rs 4,366 each, amounting to Rs 17,345 for a month's supply. 'These introductory prices are designed to help patients ease into therapy without the added burden of escalating costs during the early titration phase," Shrotriya said. However, higher doses such as 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg come at a steeper cost—Rs 24,280 and Rs 26,015 per month, respectively—making them slightly more expensive than competitor Eli Lilly's Mounjaro. 'We believe we have priced it appropriately for India. The delivery device and self-administration option offer convenience, and doctors will be the best judges in prescribing semaglutide," said Shrotriya, who is known for spearheading India's role in global drug development. He oversaw more than 36 clinical trials across over 300 sites, contributing to 8 % of Novo Nordisk's worldwide studies. 'Early mover advantage may not matter' The company has introduced the full dosage range and delivery device at launch, which Shrotriya described as 'a strategic decision" when asked about the possibility of giving early mover advantage of Mounjaro – the injectable drug which was launched in March and gripped the market with sales of over Rs 24 crore in a short period. 'We wanted to bring a comprehensive offering from the beginning, from the full range of strengths to pen devices. Our experience in the insulin market tells us patients prefer pens over vials and syringes. In the long term, this early mover advantage may not matter, but today, it helps establish a strong base," he said while hinting that Mounjaro is available in a vial format, a relatively difficult one to administer. The Danish drugmaker commands over 50–60% of India's insulin market with a customer base of approximately 30 to 40 lakh patients and distributes 4 to 5 crore insulin vials annually. Shrotriya led India-specific trials for 'once-weekly insulin" (icodec) across 27 sites with 217 participants, and he has contributed significantly to the continuous development of semaglutide and rare disease therapeutics. 'Rybelsus & Wegovy, both will co-exist' According to Shrotriya, Wegovy's approval in India follows clinical trials involving 3,500 Indian participants. 'If I include a global experience on Semaglutide, it has now been seen on over 33 million patients worldwide," he said while adding, 'Coupled with our global experience, it gives us a solid background to go forward with the commercial launch in India." Rybelsus is an oral tablet, whereas Wegovy is an injectable form of the active pharmaceutical ingredient called semaglutide, which is responsible for weight loss and blood glucose management. While Rybelsus was already available in the Indian market, the entry of Wegovy could mean a major drop in its sales. However, Shrotriya believes that the injectable formulation Wegovy is expected to complement the company's existing oral semaglutide brand. 'Rybelsus is for treating type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy is for treating obesity. But many patients are obese as well as diabetic, and in that case, they might have to switch. But otherwise, Rybelsus has its own strong presence in the type 2 diabetes segment." 'We must understand that in India, there are approximately 10 crore people who have type 2 diabetes and 25 crore people who are obese. Hence, both brands will do justice and coexist." 'Not a quick fix' Shrotriya clarified that Wegovy is indicated for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above or those with a BMI of 27 or more with associated conditions like cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, or diabetes. But he cautioned that 'Wegovy is not a quick fix." He emphasised that 'it is not just an injection to shed weight, and it needs to be taken under medical supervision, with diet and exercise as key components. Patients must avoid self-medication and consult their doctors for appropriate guidance." With such drugs, we often see that weight reduction is easy, but weight management is difficult, he said. 'People should never take the drug on their own. Doctors will advise the drug on the right indication and avoid patients who are ineligible. Though that population is very small, there is no margin for guesswork." About the Author Himani Chandna Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India's COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. 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First Post
41 minutes ago
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Wegovy launched in India: How the breakthrough drug triggers weight loss
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has launched its popular weight-loss drug Wegovy in India, months after its rival Mounjaro's entry into the Indian market. Semaglutide, which is sold under the brand name Wegovy, suppresses appetite and regulates blood sugar, leading to weight loss. But is it better than the US-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly's product available in the country since March? read more After Mounjaro, another weight loss jab has made its entry into Indian markets. Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk on Tuesday (June 24) launched its popular weight-loss drug Wegovy in India. The drug semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Wegovy, will be available in the form of injections to be administered once a week. Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy have become all the rage. As another 'weight loss miracle drug' becomes available in India, we take a look at what it is and how it works. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is Wegovy? Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription drug to tackle obesity and reduce cardiovascular risks. Semaglutide suppresses appetite and has long been used to treat diabetes. In recent years, the drug has been prescribed as a weight-loss medication after research revealed it was quite effective in helping people lose weight. Semaglutide is used in Wegovy and the highly popular type 2 diabetes treatment Ozempic . How does Wegovy work? Semaglutide in Wegovy works as an appetite suppressant by imitating a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It is an intestinal hormone released after eating, and usually makes people feel fuller. Semaglutide also brings down the rate at which food moves from the stomach to the intestines, making one feel full for longer and reducing blood sugar levels, as per a Healthline article. Wegovy is prescribed as a weekly injection through pre-filled pens that can be administered by the patient into their upper arm, thigh or stomach. Wegovy pens are sorted at a packaging line at Novo Nordisk's facility in Hillerod, Denmark, March 8, 2024. File Photo/Reuters Initially, a low dose is usually suggested, which is gradually hiked until a higher maintenance dose is reached, reported BBC. Along with exercise and a low-calorie diet, Wegovy could reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke. The drug is prescribed to adults with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese, as per the Healthline article. Wegovy in India Wegovy has made its way to India. The drug is under distribution and will be available in pharmacies by the end of the month, Vikrant Shrotriya, Novo Nordisk's India managing director, told Reuters. Wegovy will be sold in India in five doses — 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg. The first three doses will cost Rs 4,366 weekly, totalling Rs 17,345 per month. The 1.7 mg dose will be priced at Rs 24,280 monthly, while the 2.4 mg dose will cost Rs 26,015 per month, the Danish company announced. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Wegovy vs Mounjaro Wegovy's launch in India comes just a few months after US-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly introduced Mounjaro in the South Asian country. Chemically known as tirzepatide, Mounjaro , a diabetes and weight-loss drug, was rolled out in March. It is the first drug in its class to activate both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) hormones that regulate blood sugar. Wegovy and Ozempic (both brand names for semaglutide) only mimic the hormone GLP-1. Wegovy is only approved for weight loss. Mounjaro has received official approval for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and weight loss in obese and overweight people. A trial of both drugs found that Mounjaro is more effective than Wegovy. While they both led to a significant weight loss, Mounjaro caused a 20 per cent weight reduction than Wegovy's 14 per cent after 72 weeks of treatment. 'Mounjaro (tirzepatide) generally outperforms Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss, achieving up to about 15-20 body weight reduction (due to its dual GLP-1 and GIP action) compared to Wegovy's 14-17 per cent in trials,' Dr Anoop Misra, a renowned endocrinologist, told News18. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, he added, 'Wegovy is [US Food and Drug Administration] FDA-approved for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction, with broader access for non-diabetic weight loss and adolescent use, while Mounjaro is primarily approved for diabetes (used off-label for weight loss)." Wegovy's launch is expected to set off competition with Mounjaro in the Indian market. 'India represents a potentially massive structural growth opportunity for GLP-1 drugs, but current penetration remains minimal. Eli Lilly has taken the lead by launching Mounjaro in India—one of the most successful product launches in the Indian market so far," Vishal Manchanda, a pharma analyst at the financial services firm Systematix, was quoted as saying by News18. As of May, Mounjaro has sold more than 81,570 units in India, worth about Rs 24 crore, according to data from research firm PharmaTrac. Indian drugmakers are also rushing to develop cheaper versions of the weight-loss drugs to penetrate the market, which is estimated to be around $150 billion by the early 2030s. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
