In a significant development, Novo Nordisk has lowered the prices of its leading diabetes and weight-loss medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, in India by as much as 36% and 48% respectively. This move aims to counter the growing competition from more affordable generic versions produced by Indian pharmaceutical companies.
The Indian market for these drugs is undergoing a major transformation after the expiration of Novo Nordisk’s patent on semaglutide—the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy—on March 20. Since then, at least six Indian drug manufacturers, including prominent names like Dr Reddy’s, Zydus, and Sun Pharma, have introduced multiple generic brands priced up to 70% lower than Novo Nordisk’s original products.
Following the price cuts, the lowest 0.25 mg dose of Ozempic and Wegovy in India will now cost 1,415 rupees ($15.04) per weekly injection, down from previous prices of 2,200 rupees and 2,712 rupees respectively. On average, the price reductions amount to 23.8% for Ozempic and 27% for Wegovy across all doses.
Vikrant Shrotriya, managing director of Novo Nordisk India, highlighted that the company’s decision was influenced by feedback from patients and healthcare professionals. He also emphasized the cardiovascular benefits associated with these medications.
Meanwhile, the arrival of generic alternatives is expected to intensify competition not only for Novo Nordisk but also for U.S. rival Eli Lilly. Lilly entered the Indian market last year with its diabetes and obesity drug Mounjaro, which quickly became the country’s top-selling medication by value, data from research firm Pharmarack.
Currently, Ozempic is available in India in three dose strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg, while Wegovy is offered in five different doses. After the recent price reductions, the 1 mg weekly injection of both drugs is priced at 2,275 rupees ($24.18), reflecting cuts of 18.5% for Ozempic and 34.2% for Wegovy. Additionally, Wegovy’s 0.5 mg dose has seen a 41.5% price drop to 2,025 rupees.
Bariatric surgeon Venu Gopal Pareek noted that these price adjustments demonstrate how innovation can become more accessible as market conditions evolve. He added that patients might still prefer Novo Nordisk’s original formulations over generics if the price difference remains within 15%, given the drug’s established efficacy and origin.
