Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk officially launched its popular injectable drug, Ozempic, in India on Friday, December 12, 2025. The once-weekly injection, containing semaglutide, will start at Rs 2,200 per week for the 0.25 mg starter dose. Ozempic is approved in India for adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, used alongside diet and exercise. The company aims to address India's significant diabetes burden and growing demand for effective metabolic treatments.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]} ### A New Treatment for Diabetes Care Ozempic works as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This means it mimics a natural hormone in the body. The drug helps the pancreas produce more insulin when blood sugar levels are high and prevents the liver from releasing too much sugar.^{[1][5][13][17]} It also slows down digestion, making people feel fuller for longer. This mechanism often leads to a reduction in appetite and food intake.^{[1][5][10][13][14]} Novo Nordisk India Managing Director, Vikrant Shrotriya, highlighted the broader benefits. "Ozempic offers Indian doctors an effective treatment choice," Shrotriya said.^[2][11] He added that the drug provides "improved glycaemic control, meaningful weight management and long-term heart and kidney protection."^{[2][9][11][13][16]} India faces a critical health challenge with 101 million people living with diabetes, making it the second-largest diabetes-affected population globally after China.^[1][11][16] ### Pricing and Accessibility Details Ozempic is available in three strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg. Each dose comes in an easy-to-use FlexTouch Pen, designed for once-weekly subcutaneous injection.^{[2][4][18][8][9][11][13]} The lowest 0.25 mg dose is priced at Rs 2,200 per week, totaling Rs 8,800 for a monthly supply.^{[2][3][4][18][5][6][7][8][10][11][12][19][13][14]} The 0.5 mg dose costs Rs 10,170 per month, while the 1 mg dose is Rs 11,175 monthly.^{[1][3][4][18][5][6][7][8][10][11][19][13]} Novo Nordisk states it has adopted a market-specific pricing strategy for India. Vikrant Shrotriya explained that the company aimed to address affordability.^[11][12][14] He believes this pricing makes the medication accessible to more patients across India if prescribed by a doctor.^[16] The drug received regulatory approval in India in October this year.^[6][15] ### Weight Loss and Medical Supervision Ozempic has gained global attention for its significant weight-loss benefits.^{[1][3][4][18][5][6][7][10][13][14]} However, in India, the drug is currently approved solely for managing type 2 diabetes. Any weight loss experienced by patients is considered a secondary effect.^[1] Doctors emphasize that Ozempic is not a casual weight-loss solution.^[1] Medical professionals caution against using the drug without proper guidance. Dr. A G Unnikrishnan, Chief of Endocrinology at The Chellaram Diabetes Institute, Pune, stressed the need for medical supervision.^[10][15] He stated that patients should follow a strict regimen and engage in regular exercise while on the medication.^[15] Dr. Shashank Joshi, a consultant endocrinologist, also advised that treatments should be taken under medical supervision and strictly according to prescribed dosages.^[10] Ozempic is not for individuals with type 1 diabetes or for children under 18.^[17] ### India's Expanding Market and Competition India presents a crucial market for pharmaceutical companies due to its large population affected by metabolic diseases. Besides the high diabetes rates, India also has rising obesity levels, with 254 million people living with generalized obesity.^{[1][20][15][16]} Analysts predict the global weight-loss drug market could reach $150 billion annually by the end of the decade.^{[3][18][6][7][15]} Novo Nordisk already offers other semaglutide-based treatments in India. This includes Wegovy, launched in June 2025, which is specifically approved for chronic weight management.^{[21][20][19][14]} Wegovy recently saw a price reduction of up to 37 percent in India.^[22][19] The company also markets Rybelsus, an oral formulation of semaglutide.^[19][14] Eli Lilly's Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is another significant competitor in the Indian diabetes and obesity market.^{[4][20][11][19][14]} The launch of Ozempic comes strategically as the patent for semaglutide is set to expire in March 2026, which is expected to open the door for generic versions from domestic manufacturers.^{[3][4][18][7][8][19]} The introduction of Ozempic marks a significant step for Novo Nordisk in solidifying its presence in India's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. The company aims to provide innovative and accessible therapy for patients battling type 2 diabetes and its associated health complications.^{[2][11][13][16]}

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