Novo Nordisk Preparing An Early Launch Of Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy In India Amid Rising Demand

Danish pharma company Novo Nordisk is planning for an early launch of its popular weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in India.

This decision to launch earlier is aimed at competing with Eli Lilly's Mounjaro. [Source: Reuters]

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Novo plans for an early launch in the Indian market

Previously set for 2026, Wegovy is now expected to be introduced in the Indian market within a few months to capitalize on the nation’s growing market for weight-loss solutions.

"Novo's also assessing the stock situation to handle the demand in India. They want to avoid any shortage issues," one anonymous source said.

The pharmaceutical giant's accelerated plan follows U.S. rival Eli Lilly's launch of its diabetes and obesity drug Mounjaro in India last month.

Mounjaro is a weekly injection for obesity and type 2 diabetes in a single-dose vial presentation. It is a first-of-its-kind treatment for obesity, overweight, and type 2 diabetes that activates GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptors.

Reuters further reported that Novo's India team had been pushing the global headquarters for an early Wegovy launch.

Indian drugmakers such as Sun Pharma, Cipla and Dr Reddy's have been racing to compete with the global drugmakers.

Novo declined to comment on Monday, but admitted that its weight-loss drug Wegovy has been approved in India. It did not have a confirmed date for the medicine's India launch at the time.

"Novo also thinks that its brand names Ozempic, Wegovy have better penetration in the market, which would give them an edge," another source said.

The demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro is rising globally.

Pharma majors Novo and Lilly are both trying to dominate a market anticipated to reach $150 billion annually.

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