Novo Nordisk Launches Ozempic in India for Type 2 Diabetes Care

Novo Nordisk has officially launched Ozempic (injectable semaglutide) in India. The once-weekly therapy is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

The launch comes at a critical time for India’s growing diabetes burden.

Why Ozempic’s Entry Matters for India?

India is facing a rapidly escalating metabolic health crisis.

According to WHO estimates (2023–24):

• 101 million people in India are living with diabetes
• 136 million have prediabetes
• 254 million are affected by generalised obesity

This makes India the second-largest diabetes-affected country globally, after China. Effective, evidence-backed therapies are no longer optional. They are essential.

What Ozempic Offers Clinically?

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) designed to address multiple aspects of diabetes management.

Key clinical benefits include:

• Significant HbA1c reduction, even in patients with HbA1c ≥7%
• Meaningful weight loss, supporting better metabolic health
• Reduced cardiovascular risk, especially in patients with existing heart disease
• Protection against chronic kidney disease progression, a major long-term concern in T2DM

This makes Ozempic suitable for patients with:

• Long-standing diabetes
• High cardiovascular risk
• Established cardiovascular disease

How Ozempic Works?

Ozempic acts on multiple pathways involved in diabetes and obesity:

• Improves glycaemic control by lowering blood glucose
• Regulates appetite by acting on hunger centres in the brain
• Supports sustained weight loss
• Reduces risks of cardiovascular and kidney complications

All of this is delivered through a once-weekly injection, reducing treatment burden.

Dosing and Availability in India

Ozempic is now available in India in:

• 0.25 mg
• 0.5 mg
• 1 mg

It is delivered via the FlexTouch Pen, designed for ease of use and physician-guided dose titration.

What Novo Nordisk Says?

Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India, said the launch marks a major milestone for diabetes care in the country.

Ozempic combines:

• Proven global clinical performance
• World-class manufacturing quality
• A robust and reliable supply chain

The goal, he said, is to offer Indian patients better glycaemic control, weight management, and long-term heart and kidney protection through a simple weekly therapy.

Backed by Long-Term Evidence

Ozempic is not new to global markets.

Key credentials include:

• Over 20 years of research and development
• More than 38 million patient-years of global clinical use
• Inclusion of semaglutide in WHO’s Model List of Essential Medicines

This positions Ozempic as one of the most trusted GLP-1 therapies worldwide.

The Bigger Picture

With Ozempic’s launch, India gains access to a globally established therapy that targets diabetes beyond glucose control.

• For physicians, it offers flexibility.
• For patients, it reduces treatment complexity.
• For the healthcare system, it supports better long-term outcomes.

In a country where diabetes and obesity are accelerating fast, this launch is more than a product update. It is a strategic step toward modern diabetes care.

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