Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk is preparing to introduce its breakthrough drug Ozempic (semaglutide) in India, aiming to enhance care for millions living with Type 2 diabetes and related health conditions. The announcement was made by Vikrant Shrotiya, the company’s India Head, in an exclusive conversation with India Today.

Ozempic, a once-weekly injectable therapy, was initially developed for Type 2 diabetes but gained global recognition for its weight-loss benefits. “With the upcoming launch, Novo Nordisk will complete its semaglutide range in India — offering both oral and injectable options to meet different patient needs,” said Shrotiya.

Originally approved by the US FDA in 2017, Ozempic is expected to strengthen Novo Nordisk’s footprint in India’s growing diabetes and obesity care market. The company has not yet revealed the drug’s pricing. Earlier this year, the firm also secured approval to market WeGovy, another semaglutide-based product for obesity management.

With semaglutide’s patent expiring in 2026, Indian generic drugmakers are expected to enter the market, potentially driving prices down. “When more players join, competition itself ensures affordability,” Shrotiya explained.

He further highlighted the company’s focus beyond pricing: “For us, patient engagement, trust, and accessibility are equally important. The reliability and quality of our medicines remain top priorities.”

The World Health Organization’s recent inclusion of Ozempic on its Essential Medicines List underscores its global importance. “This recognition validates how vital the drug is for managing diabetes and obesity,” said Shrotiya.

While weight-loss medications have occasionally faced criticism over side effects, experts maintain that Ozempic’s benefits in blood sugar control, cardiovascular health, and kidney protection make it a strong therapeutic option.

India currently faces a massive diabetes and obesity burden, with over 101 million people diagnosed with diabetes and 254 million battling obesity. These figures have nearly doubled in the past decade.

“Obesity is no longer an urban phenomenon — it’s spreading nationwide,” Shrotiya said. “The introduction of Ozempic is a crucial step toward improving accessibility, inclusion in government programs, and insurance coverage.”

As part of Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 therapy portfolio, Ozempic also helps reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events and chronic kidney disease, offering a comprehensive solution for patients managing complex metabolic disorders.