What is the new weight-loss drug Ozempic launched in India?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ozempic is a once-weekly injection for type 2 diabetes management.
- Initial pricing starts at Rs 8,800 per month.
- Available in dosages of 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg.
- Designed with Novofine Needles for painless administration.
- Offers additional benefits for weight management and cardiovascular health.
New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Novo Nordisk unveiled its highly anticipated weight-loss medication Ozempic in India, with a monthly cost starting at Rs 8,800 for a four-week supply.
Ozempic is a once-weekly injectable treatment containing semaglutide, which has been approved in India for adults struggling with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, in conjunction with diet and exercise.
The medication is offered in three dosage options: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg, delivered via a user-friendly, single-use prefilled pen known as Novofine Needles, designed for a painless subcutaneous injection.
The 0.25mg initial dose is priced at Rs 8,800, whereas the 0.5mg and 1mg doses are priced at Rs 10,170 and Rs 11,175 respectively, with each pen containing four weekly doses.
“The launch of Ozempic in India represents a significant achievement. With international credibility, demonstrated clinical effectiveness, and top-tier quality, Ozempic provides Indian healthcare professionals with a reliable treatment alternative,” stated Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India.
He further added, “We aim to offer patients an innovative and readily accessible therapy that enhances glycemic control, effective weight management, and long-term heart and kidney protection—all through a simple, user-friendly pen device. This once-weekly treatment exemplifies Novo Nordisk’s unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes and managing chronic illnesses.”
Approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has since gained popularity as an off-label treatment for weight reduction due to its appetite-suppressing properties. It is also noted for reducing the risk of cardiovascular incidents and kidney issues among patients.
The company highlighted that Ozempic acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, facilitating better glycemic control, lowering HbA1c levels (a key indicator of glucose regulation), managing appetite and food consumption through the brain regions that govern hunger, aiding weight loss for individuals with type 2 diabetes, and mitigating cardiovascular and renal complications tied to diabetes.