Global pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk officially introduced its much-talked-about drug, Ozempic (semaglutide), to the Indian market on 12th December. Positioned primarily as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the once-weekly injectable aims to provide a new therapeutic option for millions of Indians living with the condition, to be used alongside diet and exercise.
The launch sees Ozempic available in India in its convenient FlexTouch Pen device, offering three distinct strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg. While the drug’s primary indication in India is diabetes management, its entry comes at a time when its active ingredient, semaglutide, has gained unprecedented global attention for its off-label use as a rapid weight-loss solution.
“We are committed to addressing the growing burden of diabetes in India,” stated a Novo Nordisk spokesperson at the launch event. “Ozempic offers a proven mechanism to improve glycemic control and also contributes to cardiovascular risk reduction in Type 2 Diabetes patients.”
However, the conversation around Ozempic extends far beyond diabetes clinics. Over the past few years, the drug has gone viral across social media platforms, becoming a household name in discussions about weight loss. Reports of celebrities and public figures utilizing Ozempic to achieve rapid leanness have fueled intense interest and demand, particularly in Western markets. This global phenomenon has led to occasional shortages and a widespread public perception of Ozempic as a “miracle weight-loss jab.”
In India, where obesity and Type 2 Diabetes are rapidly increasing public health challenges, the availability of Ozempic could further amplify this trend, despite its official diabetes-only indication here. Medical professionals emphasize that Ozempic is a prescription-only medication and should only be used under strict medical supervision for its approved indications.
The pricing strategy for Ozempic in India appears competitive, with the 0.25 mg dose starting at approximately ₹8,800 for a month’s supply (four weekly doses). The higher doses, 0.5 mg and 1 mg, will be available at around ₹10,170 and ₹11,175 per month, respectively.
This strategic launch also anticipates the evolving pharmaceutical landscape. Novo Nordisk’s move comes just ahead of the expected patent expiry for semaglutide in early 2026, which is likely to pave the way for generic versions to enter the market. The company already markets Wegovy, another semaglutide product specifically indicated for chronic weight management, in India. The introduction of Ozempic now provides a broader portfolio for Novo Nordisk as it navigates both the diabetes and nascent medical weight management sectors in the country.
As Ozempic becomes available across pharmacies with a valid doctor’s prescription, its journey in India will undoubtedly be watched closely, balancing its critical role in diabetes care with the pervasive influence of its social media fame.
