New Delhi: Yet another weight loss drug, Wegovy, was launched in India a few months after US pharma Eli Lilly launched Mounjaro in March this year. Wegovy, by Danish pharma Novo Nordisk, which also launched Ozempic, can apparently be used for long-term weight loss and risk reduction of cardiovascular disease. Novo Nordisk India's Managing Director Vikrant Shrotiya told PTI that the drug will be launched both in rural and urban markets in its five-dose strengths.

Price and dosage
The drug's monthly cost will be in the range of Rs 17,345 to Rs 26,050. It can be used by employing a pen device, with strengths like 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and a maintenance dosage of 2.4 mg. Wegovy will be imported from Denmark, and all regulatory approvals for sale in India have already been received. The pricing structure is tailored to Indian patients, offering the same rate for the first three dosage strengths. “This India-specific pricing supports patients through their dosage journey without steep cost increases,” Shrotriya explained. Wegovy is a prescription-only medication and has undergone extensive studies alongside Ozempic, though the two differ in indications and dosage, said the company. 

What's the main ingredient
According to Novo Nordisk, the active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, just like in Ozempic, which is not available in India yet. The drug acts on key areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake, helping reduce hunger, enhance satiety, and curb cravings—ultimately leading to weight loss. In addition to aiding weight reduction, Wegovy improves insulin resistance and shows a positive impact in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors and events.

India battles with obesity
India currently has the world’s third-largest population of people living with obesity and overweight, an estimated 254 million individuals. “People are beginning to understand that obesity must be tackled. It is the gateway to many disorders, not just in India but globally. We’re very committed to this launch,” Shortiya added.

Novo Nordisk is also open to collaborations with doctors, hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers, and state governments to tackle obesity. Citing data, Shrotriya said obesity’s economic burden could rise from 1.59% of GDP in 2030 to 2.5% by 2050–2060, calling it a serious national concern. “Obesity is no longer just a personal health issue—it’s a chronic disease and a public health epidemic.”

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