Novo Nordisk has once again reduced the prices of its top-selling diabetes and weight-loss medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, in India by up to 36% and 48%, respectively, in an effort to compete with lower-cost generics produced by local manufacturers.
The Indian market for diabetes and weight-loss treatments is poised for significant changes following the expiration of Novo Nordisk’s patent on semaglutide the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy on March 20.
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At least six Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Dr Reddy’s, Zydus, and Sun Pharma, have launched multiple versions of the popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs, offering prices up to 70% lower than Novo Nordisk’s original products.
In India, the lowest 0.25 mg doses of Ozempic and Wegovy will now cost 1,415 rupees ($15.04) per weekly injection, down from the previous prices of 2,200 rupees and 2,712 rupees, respectively, according to a statement from Novo Nordisk India on Tuesday.
The company said the average price reduction across all doses is 23.8% for Ozempic and 27% for Wegovy.
“We’ve heard from patients and doctors, and we’re acting on that feedback,” said Vikrant Shrotriya, managing director at Novo Nordisk India, adding that the drugs also offer cardiovascular benefits.
The arrival of generic versions will also pose a challenge to Novo Nordisk and U.S. competitor Eli Lilly, which launched its own blockbuster diabetes and obesity treatments in India last year, as both companies work to strengthen their presence in the market.
Lilly’s Mounjaro quickly became India’s top-selling drug by value within months of its launch, according to data from research firm Pharmarack.
In India, Novo Nordisk offers Ozempic in three dose strengths—0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg—while Wegovy is available in five different dose strengths. Following recent price cuts, the 1 mg weekly doses of Ozempic and Wegovy are now priced at 2,275 rupees ($24.18), reflecting reductions of 18.5% and 34.2%, respectively. Additionally, Wegovy’s 0.5 mg dose has been lowered by 41.5% to 2,025 rupees.
“..this price reduction reflects how innovation can become more accessible when market dynamics evolve,” Venu Gopal Pareek, a bariatric surgeon said, adding that patients might choose Novo’s drugs over generics given that it is an original molecule, and if the price difference is not beyond 15%.
Last year, Novo Nordisk reduced the price of Wegovy for the first time, cutting it by up to 37% from its initial launch price in anticipation of strong competition from local Indian drug manufacturers.
