Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk launched its most popular weight-loss drug Ozempic in India on Friday. The price of this drug starts at Rs 8,800 a month. Ozempic is approved in India for adults.

Ozempic drug launched in India

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk launched its most popular weight-loss drug Ozempic in India on Friday. The price of this drug starts at Rs 8,800 a month. Ozempic is approved in India for adults. 

How is Ozempic given to patients? 

Ozempic, a semaglutide-based diabetes therapy, is a formulation that is injected once a week, and it has received approval for adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. The drug is given in three kinds of dosages, 0.25mg, 0.5 mg, and 1mg, for single use in a pen called Novofine Needles which are painless subcutaneous injections, according to the drug maker. 

What is Ozempic price in India? 

The 0.25 mg, which is the smallest dose, is priced at Rs 8,800 (making its single dose worth Rs 2,200), after which 0.5 mg dose, which is the second dose, is given and is priced at Rs 10,170, and Rs 11,175 for 1 mg. Four doses from each are given to patients four times monthly (one dose per week).  

The drug’s patent is due to expire in March 2026. 

“Bringing Ozempic to India is a major milestone. Backed by global trust, proven clinical excellence, and world-class quality, reinforced by a robust supply chain, Ozempic offers Indian doctors an effective treatment choice,” said Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India. 

Vikrant Shrotriya also emphasised on the drug’s affordable price saying that it will be available at an insulin price in India.  

GLP-1 agonist based Ozempic has become popular in recent times as seen by a rising global demand due to its proven benefits in patients with obesity or other weight management issues. As per the World Health Organisation’s 2023-24 record, at least 101 million people in India have diabetes and another 136 million individuals are struggling with pre-diabetes. Studies also suggest that the South Asian country has 254 million people with generalised obesity and 351 million with abdominal obesity.