New Delhi: Novo Nordisk has reduced the prices of its bestselling diabetes and weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, in India, cutting costs by up to 36 percent and 48 percent, respectively, as local generics flood the market.
The move comes after the patent for semaglutide, the active ingredient in both drugs, expired on March 20. Indian drugmakers, including Dr. Reddy’s, Zydus, and Sun Pharma, have launched their own versions at prices up to 70 percent lower than Novo’s original products.
In India, the lowest 0.25 mg dose of Ozempic will now cost 1,415 rupees ($15) per weekly shot, down from 2,200 rupees, while Wegovy is priced at the same dose at 2,712 rupees, reflecting average reductions of 23.8 percent for Ozempic and 27 percent for Wegovy across all strengths.
The 1 mg weekly doses have also been cut to 2,275 rupees ($24.18), and Wegovy’s 0.5 mg dose is now 2,025 rupees, down 41.5 percent.
Vikrant Shrotriya, managing director of Novo Nordisk India, said that, “We’ve heard from patients and doctors, and we’re acting on that feedback.” He emphasized that the drugs also provide cardiovascular benefits, making them an important choice for patients managing diabetes and obesity.
The entry of generics is set to shake up India’s diabetes and weight-loss drug market, also challenging Eli Lilly, which launched its blockbuster drug Mounjaro in India last year. Within months, Mounjaro became the country’s top-selling drug by value, according to research firm Pharmarack.
Novo Nordisk’s products are available in multiple dose strengths—0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg for Ozempic and five strengths for Wegovy. Experts say the price cuts could help Novo retain market share, as patients may prefer the original drug if the price difference with generics stays below 15 percent.
Last year, Novo had already reduced Wegovy’s launch price by up to 37 percent in anticipation of competition, signaling its strategy to remain competitive in a rapidly expanding market.
