India has approved Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic, marking a major step in modernising treatment for type-2 diabetes and obesity. The once-a-week injection, already popular worldwide for its dual benefits in blood sugar control and weight management, will soon be available in India on prescription. Experts say this move could reshape chronic disease care in a country where lifestyle illnesses are rising sharply.
A New Step in Chronic Disease Care
India’s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), has approved Ozempic (semaglutide injection) for adults with type-2 diabetes. The once-a-week injectable drug, developed by Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk, will be available only on prescription.
Novo Nordisk India’s managing director, Vikrant Shrotiya, called it a “much needed move” for diabetes care. He said the launch will complete the company’s semaglutide portfolio in India, which also includes oral tablets and obesity treatments.
Why Ozempic Matters
Ozempic was first cleared by the US FDA in 2017. While its main use is blood sugar control in type-2 diabetes, the drug is also known for helping with weight loss. This dual benefit has made it one of the most talked-about medicines worldwide.
India has over 101 million people living with diabetes and more than 254 million with obesity. The numbers have doubled in the past decade. With such high rates, experts see Ozempic as an important addition to India’s fight against lifestyle diseases.
Sakshi Jadhav
Costs and Competition
Novo Nordisk has not yet revealed the Indian price of Ozempic. However, its related product Wegovy, approved for obesity management, is reported to cost between INR 17,000 and INR 26,000 per month depending on the dose. Other competing GLP-1 drugs, like tirzepatide (Mounjaro), are also in the market with prices starting at around INR 14,000.
Industry experts expect costs to come down when patents expire and generic versions enter the market. Novo Nordisk’s patent for semaglutide is due to expire in 2026, opening the door for Indian drugmakers.
Benefits and Risks
The main benefits of Ozempic include:
- Better blood sugar control in diabetes
- Noticeable weight loss at higher doses
- Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke in high-risk patients
But there are also cautions:
- Common side effects include nausea and vomiting
- Some reports link it to pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and kidney problems
- Animal studies showed thyroid tumour risks, leading to safety warnings
- High costs may limit access for many Indians
Doctors say the drug should only be taken with proper medical supervision.
Ashwini
Global Buzz and Local Relevance
Globally, Ozempic has become a household name, partly due to celebrity users like Elon Musk and Amy Schumer. In India, however, the focus is on its medical role rather than its weight-loss fame.
The World Health Organization recently added semaglutide to its essential medicines list, reflecting its importance in treating diabetes and obesity.
Experts believe the approval could boost India’s anti-obesity market, valued at about INR 752 crore, with semaglutide already contributing more than half of it.
What This Means for Patients
For Indian patients, Ozempic offers a modern, convenient, once-a-week option for managing diabetes and possibly weight. But the true impact will depend on affordability, supply, and how widely doctors prescribe it.
If generics and insurance support expand access, Ozempic could become a game-changer in tackling India’s growing diabetes crisis.
Sakshi Jadhav
Leave a Reply