Novo Nordisk Brings Blockbuster Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy to India

Novo Nordisk has introduced its obesity drug Wegovy in India. The drug is based on semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. 

Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director and Corporate Vice President of Novo Nordisk India, told CNBC-TV18, Wegovy has been tested on over 3,000 Indian patients before the launch. It will be available in 5 strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. All dosages are administered through weekly injections. This rollout follows Novo Nordisk’s earlier India launch of oral semaglutide in 2022 for diabetes.

Wegovy Pricing Structure

The monthly cost for 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg strengths is ₹17,345. The 1.7 mg dose is priced at ₹24,280, and the 2.4 mg version at ₹26,015. The drug will be fully imported, with no domestic production planned for now. Distribution will be handled directly by the company.

The Wegovy dosage will follow a 4-week cycle, beginning with 0.25 mg once weekly for the first month. Doses will then gradually increase to 0.5 mg weekly for the 2nd month, followed by 1 mg weekly for the 3rd month. Subsequent adjustments (increase, maintenance, or reduction) will be determined by the prescribing doctor based on patient outcomes.

Competition and Patent Expiry

Wegovy’s patent in India is set to expire by March 2026. Generic versions could enter the market soon after, possibly offering up to 50% lower pricing. Novo Nordisk says it is prepared, referencing its ongoing insulin market presence despite generics.

Wegovy is the first and only medication approved for long-term weight management that also addresses cardiovascular disease risks. It's prescribed for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher (without co-morbidities) or a BMI of 27 or higher (with co-morbidities).

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Conclusion

Wegovy adds to India’s limited portfolio of approved medical treatments for obesity. It targets a condition affecting over 40% of the adult population and arrives amid rising interest in weight management drugs.

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