Novo Nordisk India MD Vikrant Shrotriya

The launch comes on the heels of Wegovy, Novo’s proprietary weight loss injection, which entered the market in June.

India’s emerging anti-obesity drug market is heating up. Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro took the early lead since its launch in March, becoming the best-selling drug by October. Novo will face additional competitive pressure next year as semaglutide, the compound behind Ozempic and Wegovy, loses patent exclusivity in March 2026, paving the way for cheaper domestic generics.

Mounjaro’s price is as follows: ₹14,000 per month for a starting dose of 2.5 mg, increasing to ₹27,500 for 15 mg dose. Wegovy launches after 37% price cut ₹It goes up to 10,850 per month ₹16,400. The 0.5 mg graduated dose for Ozempic is priced as follows: ₹10,170 for four-week pack, 1 mg maintenance dose costs ₹11,175.

Mint spoke to Vikrant Shrotriya, managing director, Novo Nordisk India, to understand the company’s strategy.

Edited excerpts:

Why are we launching Ozempic now and how will it differ from Wegovy?

You know the noise Ozempic is making around the world. This was something we wanted to launch before, but we decided to launch oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) at that time. Then suddenly the demand for Ozempic increased so much that the demand was greater than the supply. As supply normalized, we considered launching Ozempic because we wanted to make sure we started the market with constant supply.

This is not a sudden decision. This is a well-thought-out launch process that is part of our portfolio strategy for a flexible approach to doctors and patients.

So, considering that GLP-1 injectables have recently arrived on Indian soil and we have more than 100 million people suffering from obesity, I think it is not too late. Now the World Health Organization has made it part of the essential medicine list.

I call this an epic launch because it empowers doctors. When the brand is known to doctors, it makes the job of prescribing much easier because its acceptability becomes stronger.

Ozempic is indicated for type 2 diabetes, it is the first line of treatment after diet and exercise in people with diabetes, many of whom are obese, so overall they benefit together.

Last month, you announced a 37% price reduction for Wegovy. How do you see these increased sales?

I would say that this is a strategy of reaction and responsibility. I don’t think this is a marketing strategy; It is our responsibility and our response to hear what doctors and patients say. We realized that we needed to bring innovation first and then see that it was prescribed. We’ve listened to patients, we’ve heard what the right price should be, and we want to stick to that.

That’s why I was so excited when the sound got louder. This is not a small volume increase. But at the same time, a 37% cut to the top and bottom line was a bold step, to be honest.

We want to be responsible for Ozempic in the same way.

You launched the oral semaglutide Rybelsus in 2022. How have sales evolved since the launch of the injectable Wegovy in June?

Rybelsus continued to grow similarly as last year, but was on its own last year. Now there is a comparison. Distribution channels and access channels have changed. But you will always find that there are patients who will prefer oral tablets.

In India, given the patient population of 100-135 million with impaired glucose tolerance, I think the sky is the limit for accessibility.

I think booms and busts are a short-term phenomenon. Just like with insulin, we are here for the long haul, for the long haul. And I hope more and more patients will benefit from these injectable and oral medications rather than interacting with each other.

Competition is fierce, with Mounjaro set to enter next year with leading volume and generics. How do you see Novo’s position and do you expect to continue to be the market leader in this environment?

I can say that this is the intention and purpose. I believe our products are well-suited to the unmet needs currently in India. And between competition and commitment, I would side with commitment.

We are here with the determination to treat obesity and diabetes, as we have for 100 years. I wish and hope for 100 more years. We are not in an opportunistic game.

We started oral formulation four years ago because India needed it; We were the sixth country to initiate oral formulation. And this commitment, this purpose, this intention and trust are more important to us than being opportunistic in the market.

Is Novo aiming to be a leader in obesity, as it is in diabetes?

Yes. That’s a very clear goal, and it’s not just about the existing pipeline. We want to be and continue to be the leader in obesity.

We have been the protein powerhouse for 100 years. We have seen generic competition for insulin and still one in two patients uses Novo Nordisk insulin. These peptides, this is biological, this is our DNA. This has stood the test of time.

We welcome any other players, but only if they come with similar determination and intent. And that’s okay because the world needs everyone, not just one company.

You announced a partnership with Emcure Pharma to distribute Wegovy, as well as Healthify for a patient program. Are you looking at other partnerships?

What we have learned in the new age, the digital economy, is partnerships. Nobody is alone. This is the age of partnerships, collaboration, co-opting – working together.

And we are very ready for it because digital power players are getting help from many of the advancements in the digital economy and also reaching out to patients in terms of hand holding and support. We want to partner with anyone who has ethics, a standard of care, as well as access and specific strengths that complement our strengths for better patient outcomes.