Novo Nordisk launches Ozempic in India against diabetes for Rs 2,200 per week entry dose

ozempic

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk on Friday announced the launch of blockbuster anti-type-2 diabetes drug Ozempic (semaglutide injection) in India at an entry price of Rs 2,200 per week for 0.25 milligram dosage version.

The drug is available in three dosage forms - 0.25mg, 0.5 mg, and 1mg - in single-use pre-filled pen called Novofine Needles designed for painless subcutaneous injection.

Ozempic is initiated with 0.25 mg once weekly for first 4 weeks, followed by step up dosage 0.5 mg once weekly for least 4 weeks and the patient stays at 1 mg once weekly

The pre-filled pen, which consists of four doses of 0.25mg injection required for initiation, costs Rs.8800 per month (Rs,2200 per week), 0.5 mg per month costs Rs.10,170 (Rs.2542.5 per week) and 1mg costs Rs.11,175 (Rs 2793.75 per week).

‏Vikrant Shrotriya‏ - ‏Corporate Vice President and Managing Director at Novo Nordisk India said the Ozempic is available at an insulins price zone in India.

"It was a tough decision in terms of bringing (Ozempic) into this particular price zone," Shrotriya‏ said.

"Being a company which has played this game for access of insulin in India, where one in two in India depend on our insulin, and these are the moments of pride. We wish and hope that with this kind of affordability and accessibility, more and more patients get to use this medication when prescribed by the doctors," Shrotriya added.

India has the second-highest number of people living with type 2 diabetes after China, alongside rapidly increasing obesity rates, making it a key battleground for global drugmakers competing for a share of the fast-growing weight-loss market. Analysts cited by Reuters estimate the global market could be worth as much as $150 billion annually by the end of the decade.

Shrotriya added that apart from providing a reduction in 2.8% HBA1C and an average weight reduction of upto 15%, along with cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases.