Novo Nordisk Cuts Ozempic Price in India, Boosts Obesity Drug Sales

Novo Nordisk Sees 40% Surge in Diabetes and Weight-Loss Drug Sales in India

Novo Nordisk A/S has experienced a significant surge in sales of its diabetes and weight-loss drugs in India last month, driven by steep price cuts that have boosted demand for its branded treatments despite the presence of generic GLP-1 therapies on the market.

According to market researcher Pharmarack, the sales of Wegovy, Ozempic, and partner-branded versions rose to 32,000 units in April, marking the first full month of data since generic semaglutide started selling in India. Notably, Novo Nordisk had slashed the starting-dose prices of both drugs by 36% and 48%, respectively, from April 1, bringing the prices down to 5,660 rupees ($60).

The aggressive pricing strategy employed by Novo Nordisk has helped boost affordability and allowed the Danish drugmaker to defend its market share against cheaper rivals. This growth suggests that Novo Nordisk, along with Eli Lilly & Co., will remain the preferred choice for a class of patients and doctors.

Read also: Treasury Yields Experience Largest Increase in Two Weeks Following Release of Labor Market Data

At the same time, non-branded GLP-1 therapies, which mimic a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, are rapidly expanding the overall market. Sales volume of cheaper knock-outs helped grow the market 56% month-on-month to 414,000 units in April, even as Eli Lilly maintained its lead as India's top-selling GLP-1 provider after an early stumble.

April's data offers the first clear view of how the Ozempic innovator is fighting back as competition continues to reshape India's fast-growing obesity-care market. The figures suggest that while a wave of generics led by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is widening access for new patients, the low-cost alternatives have yet to erode demand for branded drugs.

India is the first market where Novo Nordisk faces generic competition for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, making it a potential bellwether for how the rollout could unfold globally. Canada approved generics last month, though commercial launch timing remains unclear. In China, generic Ozempic is expected to be delayed until next year despite the drug losing patent protection under the China-Switzerland Free Trade Agreement.

Read also: US-Iran Tensions Spark Uptick in Oil Prices Amid Global Market Decline

Representatives for Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly did not immediately respond to requests for comment.