Novo Nordisk Launches Wegovy in India at ₹17,345/Month, Rivaling Lilly’s Mounjaro in Weight-Loss Drug Market

HYDERABAD, June 24 (Reuters) – Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk has officially launched its highly anticipated weight-loss drug Wegovy in India, intensifying competition with Eli Lilly’s rival product Mounjaro. The move comes three months after Eli Lilly introduced Mounjaro in the world’s most populous nation, setting the stage for a major battle in India’s burgeoning obesity treatment market.

Wegovy Now Available in India with Competitive Pricing

Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, confirmed that Wegovy is already under distribution and will be available in pharmacies by the end of June. The drug, administered as a once-weekly injection, has been priced competitively to encourage wider adoption.

Pricing Breakdown of Wegovy in India

• 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg doses: ₹4,336.25 ($50.71) per week
• Monthly cost (for 1 mg dose): ₹17,345 (~$202)
• 1.7 mg dose: ₹24,280 (~$283) per month
• 2.4 mg dose: ₹26,015 (~$304) per month

This pricing structure closely aligns with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, which was launched earlier this year at:

• 2.5 mg vial: ₹3,500
• 5 mg vial: ₹4,375

Growing Obesity Crisis in India Fuels Demand

India’s obesity rates have been steadily climbing, with a government survey (2019-2021) revealing that:

• 24% of women and 23% of men (aged 15-49) are overweight or obese—up from 20.6% and 19% in 2015-2016.

Shrotriya highlighted that Wegovy has shown promising results, with one in three patients achieving a 20% weight loss at higher doses. The drug has already demonstrated an average 15% weight reduction in clinical trials, compared to Mounjaro’s 23% when combined with diet and exercise.

Supply Constraints Unlikely in India, Novo Nordisk Assures

While global shortages of Wegovy and Mounjaro have plagued markets like the U.S., Novo Nordisk stated that it does not anticipate supply issues in India. The company also revealed that Wegovy will be available in a pen device for easier administration, unlike traditional vials and syringes.

Generic Competition Looms as Semaglutide Patent Expires

Industry analysts warn that generic versions of Wegovy could soon flood the Indian market. Shrikant Akolkar of Nuvama Institutional Equities noted that semaglutide (Wegovy’s active ingredient) goes off patent in 2024, paving the way for Indian pharmaceutical giants like Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, and Lupin to produce cheaper alternatives.

Vishal Manchanda of Systematix Institutional Equities predicted that Wegovy’s prices could drop by 60-90% once generics enter the market.

A Strategic Move Amid Leadership Shakeup

Novo Nordisk’s India launch follows the ouster of then-CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen, who was reportedly removed over concerns about the company losing its first-mover advantage in the competitive weight-loss drug sector. The company has yet to name a replacement.

The Future of Obesity Treatment in India

With both Wegovy and Mounjaro now available, India’s obesity treatment market is set for rapid expansion. Both drugs belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class, which helps regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite.

As Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly continue their awareness campaigns, the demand for these therapies is expected to surge, offering new hope for millions struggling with obesity and diabetes in India.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and neither a medical advice nor an advertisemnt for the weight-loss drugs. Drug efficacy, pricing, and availability may vary. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment. PuneNow and the author are not responsible for decisions made based on this content.