India Gets Wegovated—Novo’s Star Slimming Shot Makes Its Move

Image Source: Business Standard

Novo Nordisk India is set for the long-awaited release of its best-selling anti-obesity drug Wegovy (semaglutide), with distribution already on the ground within the country. The move is a milestone in the obesity treatment history of India, with the country having among the world's highest obesity burdens.

1. Strategic Rollout and Market Potential

The company is preparing to roll out Wegovy full-fledged and pan-India, banking on its current insulin business presence and strong go-to-market approach.
India ranks as the world's third most obese nation with over 250 million population being affected, thus an important market for anti-obesity medicines.
Novo Nordisk expects to achieve $1 billion (₹8,600 crore) from sales of Wegovy in India in five to seven years, a milestone that would set a new bar for prescription medicine revenues.

2. Product Details and Accessibility

Five versions of Wegovy will be launched, all via FlexTouch pen-like injectors for self-injectables, for increased patient convenience.
The drug is expected to deliver cardiovascular, liver, and kidney safeguard in addition to weight loss, based on global clinical evidence.
Pricing details have yet to be revealed, but the drug will probably be competitively priced versus rivals like Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, which is already available in India.

3. Competitive Landscape and Regulatory Support

The launch comes at a time of heightened competition in India's GLP-1 weight loss medicine market, with different domestic pharma players also vying to make semaglutide generics.
India's pharmaceuticals regulator approved Wegovy earlier this year after its favorable outcomes in the SELECT cardiovascular outcomes trial accelerated its introduction into the market.

Sources: Economic Times, Business Today, Business Standard