Ozempic, the blockbuster weight-loss drug, launched in India: How effective is it?

Ozempic, a blockbuster drug that treats diabetes, has officially launched in India. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk’s once-a-week injection for patients suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Priced at Rs. 2,200 per week, a single pen contains four weekly doses and will cost Rs 8,800 inclusive of taxes.

The drug is available in three dosage forms of 0.25mg, 0.5 mg, and 1mg.

“Bringing Ozempic to India is a major milestone. Backed by global trust, proven clinical excellence, and world-class quality, reinforced by a robust supply chain, Ozempic offers Indian doctors an effective treatment choice,” said Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India.

“Our goal is to provide patients with an innovative and accessible therapy that offers improved glycaemic control, meaningful weight management, and long-term heart and kidney protection – all delivered through a simple, easy-to-use pen device. This once-weekly treatment demonstrates Novo Nordisk’s ongoing commitment to better health outcomes and chronic disease care,” Shrotriya added.

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The drug has become all the rage across the world due to its weight loss benefits. As it is set to enter the Indian market, we take a look at how effective the drug is.

Let’s take a closer look.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, is a treatment for type 2 diabetes that manages blood sugar levels.

It is a weekly injection that helps the pancreas make more insulin. Ozempic, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for type 2 diabetes in 2017, also benefits with weight loss for people with obesity.

How does Ozempic work?

New drugs to treat type 2 diabetes have become popular quickly due to their weight-loss benefits. This class of drugs is called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists that mimic the effect of two hormones naturally produced by the body — glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1.

The human gut secretes GLP-1 and GIP hormones after food consumption to regulate blood sugar levels. GLP-1 makes people feel fuller, decreases their food cravings, and helps them lose weight.

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These hormones affect the insulin and glucagon levels in the body. Drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro help regulate blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by mimicking these naturally occurring hormones.

This hormone signals to the brain that a person is full.

Is Ozempic safe and effective?

Ozempic and other similar drugs can lead to a weight loss of 15 to 20 per cent. This matters as even a five per cent to 10 per cent reduction in body weight can “improve metabolic health, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of conditions like fatty liver disease and obstructive sleep apnea,” as per an article in Harvard Health.

The medication has some common side effects such as vomiting, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort.

Other rare side effects include allergic reactions, fast or irregular heartbeat, gallbladder problems, kidney injury, pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.

Demand for weight-loss drugs in India

India has emerged as a viable market for drugmakers manufacturing weight-loss medications.

According to research firm Pharmarack, the Indian anti-obesity drug market reached Rs 628 crore as of June 2025, a fivefold surge over five years, reported Economic Times (ET). 

The GLP-1 market saw a 27 per cent increase in July from the year before, driven by “aggressive promotions and expanding patient bases”, Sheetal Sapale, VP Commercial, Pharmarack, a market research firm that specialises in the Indian pharmaceutical market, told Moneycontrol.

The market value of the GLP-1 market rose from Rs 476 crore in July 2024 to Rs 606 crore in July 2025.

US drug manufacturer Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy have seen explosive sales since they were launched in India earlier this year. Now, Ozempic is coming to increase the competition in the weight-loss drug market.

Speaking to India Today, Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director & Corporate Vice President, Novo Nordisk India, said, “With the highly anticipated launch expected soon, Novo Nordisk will now complete its semaglutide portfolio in India, providing a range of treatments to address diverse patient needs— oral semaglutide for diabetes, advanced obesity management through Injectable.”

“With our patents expiring in 2026, so many more players would enter the market. The competitive intensity itself could bring down the cost of medicines, at least, amongst the generics,” added Shrotriya.

In a statement to ET, the Danish company said it has carved a strong presence in the GLP-1 market in India, including Rybelsus (its tablet or oral drug) and Wegovy. “Expanding the semaglutide portfolio demonstrates our company’s commitment to tackling India’s increasing burden of chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity with innovative solutions,” it added.

With inputs from agencies