Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk is preparing to launch blockbuster anti-diabetes and weight-loss drug Wegovy (semaglutide) in India. To get an edge over Eli Lilly's brand Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which was recently introduced, Novo Nordisk has demonstrated the cardiovascular benefits of Wegovy in Indian patients, according to regulatory filings seen by ET.
"Wegovy is expected to be launched in a few months at a competitive pricing," an industry expert told ET, adding that Novo Nordisk has little time to lose since Mounjaro is seeing good traction. Also, Wegovy is expected to lose its patent exclusivity early next year, which may see a flooding of generic semaglutide brands in India.
The company did not respond to ET's request for comment.
A committee of experts under India's central drug authority, which reviews data related to clinical trials on new drugs, has approved the company's claim about Wegovy reducing cardiovascular risks, according to the minutes of its meeting released last month. It said the drug can be prescribed also by cardiologists - it has already been approved for prescription by endocrinologists and internal medicine experts. The committee's recommendations are subject to final approval from the Drug Controller General of India, India's highest authority.
If cleared, Wegovy will become a new treatment option for people living with both diabetes and heart disease. "The label expansion for Wegovy will help Novo Nordisk get an edge over in an obesity drugs market that is expected to heat up soon," an industry executive said.
Doctors say the cost of the drug will determine its success or failure. "Novo Nordisk is strategising the timely introduction of Wegovy in India. However, unless these firms bring down the cost of these designer medicines, they will not be popular among masses. They will be restricted to a very few patients," said Nishith Chandra, director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in Delhi.
Wegovy has already secured approvals in India for treatment of diabetes and weight-loss, but given the surge in demand and supply constraints globally, the product has not been launched in India. Instead, Novo Nordisk brought in its oral drug, Rybelsus, in 2022, also indicated for diabetes and weight-loss, which has a lesser degree of effectiveness as compared to the injections.
"Wegovy is expected to be launched in a few months at a competitive pricing," an industry expert told ET, adding that Novo Nordisk has little time to lose since Mounjaro is seeing good traction. Also, Wegovy is expected to lose its patent exclusivity early next year, which may see a flooding of generic semaglutide brands in India.
The company did not respond to ET's request for comment.
A committee of experts under India's central drug authority, which reviews data related to clinical trials on new drugs, has approved the company's claim about Wegovy reducing cardiovascular risks, according to the minutes of its meeting released last month. It said the drug can be prescribed also by cardiologists - it has already been approved for prescription by endocrinologists and internal medicine experts. The committee's recommendations are subject to final approval from the Drug Controller General of India, India's highest authority.
If cleared, Wegovy will become a new treatment option for people living with both diabetes and heart disease. "The label expansion for Wegovy will help Novo Nordisk get an edge over in an obesity drugs market that is expected to heat up soon," an industry executive said.
Doctors say the cost of the drug will determine its success or failure. "Novo Nordisk is strategising the timely introduction of Wegovy in India. However, unless these firms bring down the cost of these designer medicines, they will not be popular among masses. They will be restricted to a very few patients," said Nishith Chandra, director, Interventional Cardiology, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in Delhi.
Wegovy has already secured approvals in India for treatment of diabetes and weight-loss, but given the surge in demand and supply constraints globally, the product has not been launched in India. Instead, Novo Nordisk brought in its oral drug, Rybelsus, in 2022, also indicated for diabetes and weight-loss, which has a lesser degree of effectiveness as compared to the injections.
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