Novo Nordisk India has cut the prices of its diabetes and weight loss medicine brands Ozempic and Wegovy (GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide) from April 1 to compete with the low cost generic versions of semaglutide launched by domestic pharma major after its Indian patent expired on March 20.

While the price of the starting dose of semaglutide brand Ozempic  (for diabetes) will be reduced by 36%, the starting dose of Wegovy (for obesity treatment) will cost 48% less in India from today.

Ozempic (0.25 mg) and Wegovy (0.25 mg) will now be available at Rs 1,415 per week or Rs. 5,660 per month, the company said. Ozempic is indicated for type 2 diabetes management and risk reduction of cardiovascular/kidney events in people with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is indicated for chronic weight management and risk reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in people with overweight/obesity. Both are indicated adjunct to diet and exercise and are prescription only medications that should be used in line with their approved indication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

“We’re driven by science, but our focus is always on patients. By revising the price of our innovative treatments, we’re trying to make best-in-class cardiometabolic care more affordable for as many people with type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity in India as possible. We’ve heard from patients and doctors, and we’re acting on that feedback. The burden of diabetes, obesity and related complications is immense for India, and we aim to bend this curve with effective, safe, and time-tested solutions” ,Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India said.

Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, is backed by 50+ clinical trials, 49 million patient years of exposure, and extensive real-world evidence. Both therapies are manufactured using rDNA technology, are available in a pen device with established safety standards, and follow a robust nation-wide cold chain management process.

“For patients, this translates into a treatment option with a well‑established safety and efficacy profile. Injectable semaglutide is approved by regulatory authorities across 75 countries including the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), European Medicines Agency (EMA), United States Food & Drug Administration (US FDA) and Pharmaceuticals  and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan”, the company states.