Novo Nordisk launches blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy in India; prices start at ₹17,345 a month

Danish biopharma major Novo Nordisk has launched its global blockbuster obesity drug Wegovy (semaglutide injection) in India.

Semaglutide belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class, a category that is redefining obesity treatment worldwide. The launch of Wegovy comes three months after US pharma major Eli Lilly and Company (India) introduced its GLP-1 drug Mounjaro in a single-dose vial in the Indian market.

Novo Nordisk said Wegovy is the first and only obesity medication for people who are overweight or have obesity in India, indicated for both chronic weight management and reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Wegovy will be available in India in five strengths. While the lower doses (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg) will be priced at ₹17,345 for a month (four weekly doses), the higher doses, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg, will have price tags of ₹24,280 and ₹26,050, respectively, for a month’s treatment.

“Obesity is not just a personal health concern. It is a chronic disease and a national epidemic that India cannot afford to ignore. Recognising this, we are proud to announce that we are bringing Wegovy to Indians as a transformative and evidence-based therapeutic solution with the convenience of a world-class, state-of-the-art pen device. Additionally, we have an India-specific price with the benefit of the same price for the first three dosing strengths,” Vikrant Shrotiya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India, said. The product will be available across India as a prescription option for the medical fraternity by June end.

The company said 95% of their patients have found the pen easy to use. Each different strength comes in a different colour-coded pen for easy dose identification. One in every three patients achieved 20% or more weight loss after undergoing weight loss management programmes using Wegovy, the company claims. The administration of Wegovy has also resulted in a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular event (heart attacks, strokes, etc.) risks, the company states.

Doctors can consider Wegovy as a treatment option for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 and above or with a BMI of 27 along with co-morbidities. GLP-1 receptor agonists act on key areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and food intake, thereby reducing hunger, improving satiety, and reducing cravings for food, eventually inducing weight loss.

According to technology research and advisory firm Aranca, India’s GLP-1 receptor agonist market was valued at approximately $115 million in 2024, with the market expected to grow at a CAGR of 24.70% through 2034, positioning India as a key player in the GLP-1 segment within Asia.