Novo Nordisk launches diabetes drug Ozempic in India

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk today launched its blockbuster type 2 diabetes treatment injection Ozempic in India.

The Ozempic will be available as 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg in a pen device. Each pen will have four weekly doses priced at Rs 8,800 for 0.25 mg, Rs 10,170 for 0.5 mg and Rs 11,175 for 1 mg.

Ozempic, which is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults living with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus and globally known for its weight-loss benefits, has come to India at a crucial time. According to the World Health Organisation 2023-24 estimates, India has 101 million people (roughly 11.4% of the total population) living with diabetes, making it the second largest diabetes-affected population in the world after China.

Novo Nordisk India managing director Vikrant Shrotriva said backed by global trust and proven clinical excellence, Ozempic offered Indian doctors an effective treatment choice. "Our goal is to provide patients an innovative and accessible therapy that offers improved glycaemic control, meaningful weight management and long-term heart and kidney protection,” he said.

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps improve glycaemic control and regulate appetite and food intake by acting on areas of the brain that control hunger. GLP-1 is a natural human hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. It reduce risks of cardiovascular and Kidney complications associated with diabetes.

India’s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), approved Ozempic (semaglutide) for use in October this year for adults with type 2 diabetes.