Novo Nordisk Brings Ozempic to India to Challenge Mounjaro's Lead

Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk is preparing to launch Ozempic in India this month, marking a major move in a market already battling rising diabetes and obesity.

The arrival of the blockbuster drug comes at a time when India has the world’s second-largest number of type 2 diabetes patients, making the country a key battleground for companies competing in the fast-growing weight-loss drug space.

The launch of Ozempic — already a global bestseller and widely used off-label for weight loss — is expected to happen within the next three to four weeks, according to three sources familiar with the plan.

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Novo confirmed it is working toward an early rollout but did not disclose a final timeline or pricing. “We understand that India is a price sensitive market and hence we are working hard towards pricing (Ozempic) that is market competitive,” said Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India.

 With this launch, Novo will complete its semaglutide portfolio in India, which includes treatments for both diabetes and obesity. The move also comes as Wegovy faces strong competition from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, now India’s top-selling drug by value. Lilly sold 262,000 doses of Mounjaro in October, far ahead of the 26,000 doses of Novo’s Wegovy.

Price pressure is building as Novo recently cut Wegovy’s cost by up to 37% ahead of its March 2026 patent expiration. Indian pharmaceutical giants such as Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, and Lupin are already working on generic semaglutide versions, aiming to tap into the booming market.

Analysts say Novo’s strong brand presence in India’s diabetes segment will help boost Ozempic adoption, with potential use extending to weight loss, infertility, and sleep apnea.