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Novo Nordisk introduced its popular weight-loss medication Ozempic in India on Friday, starting at Rs 8,800 per month or for a period of four weeks. Ozempic is an injection containing semaglutide that is taken once a week. It is approved in India for adults who have type 2 diabetes that is not well-controlled, in combination with diet and exercise. The medication comes in three different strengths -- 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg -- and is provided in a ready-to-use pen called Novofine Needles, which is made for easy and painless injection under the skin, according to the manufacturer. The cost for the initial 0.25 mg dose is Rs 8,800, while the 0.5 mg is priced at Rs 10,170 and the 1 mg at Rs 11,175. Each pen has enough medicine for four weekly doses. Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, stated, “Launching Ozempic in India is a significant achievement. Supported by worldwide trust, proven success in clinical settings, and high-quality standards, along with a strong supply chain, Ozempic provides Indian doctors with an effective option for treatment.”
Shrotriya further mentioned, “We aim to offer patients a groundbreaking and easily accessible treatment that enhances glucose control, supports effective weight management, and provides long-term protection for the heart and kidneys, all through a simple and user-friendly pen device. This weekly treatment showcases Novo Nordisk’s ongoing dedication to improving health results and managing chronic diseases.” Ozempic received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for treating type 2 diabetes. Since its approval, it has been commonly used off-label to assist with weight loss due to its ability to reduce hunger. In addition, it helps shield patients from heart-related events and kidney problems, as noted by Novo.
The company explained that Ozempic is a type of GLP-1 receptor agonist which aids in improving glucose control and lowering HbA1c levels (a measure of sugar control); manages appetite and food consumption by targeting brain regions that govern hunger; helps individuals with type 2 diabetes lose weight; and decreases the risks of heart and kidney issues linked to diabetes.
