Novo Nordisk's Wegovy enters India: Can this weight loss jab beat Mounjaro? Price, who can use it & how it works
In a big step for India's weight loss drug market, Danish pharmaceutical company
Novo Nordisk
has officially launched
Wegovy
, its much-talked-about weight loss injection. The company is now competing directly with Eli Lilly's popular drug,
Mounjaro
.
Wegovy is a once-a-week injection that comes in a pen-like device called FlexTouch. It's easy to use and doesn't require vials or syringes. According to Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, Vikrant Shrotriya, the drug will be available in pharmacies across India by the end of June 2025, The Times of India reported.
India's obesity market is growing fast
India has one of the world's highest numbers of people struggling with weight. Around 254 million people have general obesity and over 351 million suffer from belly fat-related issues. With the
anti-obesity medicine
market jumping from Rs 133 crore in 2021 to Rs 576 crore today (as per PharmaTrac), Novo Nordisk sees a huge opportunity.
Shrotriya said, 'Obesity is a chronic illness and a growing problem in India. Wegovy is easy to use and will be priced specially for Indian patients.'
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How Wegovy Works
Wegovy contains a compound called
semaglutide
, which mimics a natural hormone in the body. This hormone helps control blood sugar, reduce hunger, slow digestion, and make you feel full for longer. While similar drugs like Ozempic are meant for diabetes, Wegovy is approved for long-term weight loss.
It comes in a FlexTouch device, allowing users to adjust their weekly dose easily. Each monthly pack includes four needles. The medicine works on brain areas that manage appetite and food cravings.
According to Dr V. Mohan, a well-known diabetologist, 'Semaglutide not only helps in weight loss but also improves heart and inflammation markers. It's a strong option for Indian patients dealing with both obesity and rising heart risks.'
Wegovy India Price List
Dose
Monthly Price (Rs)
Price Per Dose (Rs)
0.25 mg
Rs 17,345
Rs 4,366
0.5 mg
Rs 17,345
Rs 4,366
1 mg
Rs 17,345
Rs 4,366
1.75 mg
Rs 24,280
Rs 6,070
2.4 mg
Rs 26,015
Rs 6,503
For comparison, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro is slightly cheaper:
Mounjaro Dose
Monthly Price (Rs)
2.5 mg
Rs 14,000
5 mg
Rs 17,500
Almost like weight loss surgery, but with a catch
Wegovy has shown very strong results. In global studies, people lost up to 15% of their weight on average, and some even lost 20%. It also helped lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes and improved liver health.
However, the results are mostly maintained only if the person continues using the drug. If stopped, weight gain can return. Doctors also warn that muscle loss may happen over time, so people need to be regularly monitored.
Wegovy vs Mounjaro: What's the Difference?
Feature
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
How it works
Mimics GLP-1 hormone
Acts on GLP-1 and GIP hormones
Effect
Lowers appetite, slows digestion
Improves insulin and reduces appetite
Approved for
Weight loss
Diabetes (off-label for weight loss)
How to use
Weekly injection via Flexpen
Weekly injection via vial
Price range
Rs 17,345–Rs 26,015
Rs 14,000–Rs 17,500
Inputs from TOI
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