Novo Nordisk launched its hit diabetes drug Ozempic, pricing the 0.25 mg dose at $24.35 per week, aiming Friday to capture a large majority share of the country’s fast-growing market for treatments linked to weight loss and rising diabetes rates.
As reported by ReutersOzempic will be sold in pen format in 0.25 mg and 1 mg doses.
However, the monthly prices are Rs 8,800 for 0.25 mg, Rs 10,170 for 0.5 mg and Rs 11,175 for 1 mg, with each pen covering at least four weekly doses.
According to recent data, India has the second largest population of type 2 diabetes patients in the world after China, and the country is also facing rising obesity rates.
Ozempic was initially approved in the United States in 2017 for type 2 diabetes, but has become an international player used for weight loss. It helps reduce the risk of heart and kidney problems.
In this regard, the consultant endocrinologist at Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital said the drug can only be prescribed by endocrinologists or internal medicine specialists and is not intended for cosmetic use.
Novo Nordisk faces certain challenges from Eli Lilly, whose Mounjaro is approved for diabetes and weight loss, while Novo’s Wegovy, which also uses semaglutide, was launched in India in June.
Furthermore, Novo had future plans to gain an initial advantage before cheaper domestic versions arrived.
Nevertheless, Novo Nordisk is focused on capitalizing on growth in the Indian chronic market to secure a central position before the market inevitably becomes more challenging.
