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Danish pharma major Novo Nordisk has announced the launch of Ozempic (injectable semaglutide) in India. The popular once-a-week injection to help manage Type 2 diabetes will be available at a starting dose of 0.25 mg priced at Rs 2,200 per week.
The announcement was made on Friday by Vikrant Shrotriya, MD, Novo Nordisk. On the occasion, Dr A G Unnikrishnan, Chief of Endocrinology at The Chellaram Diabetes Institute, Pune and Dr Shashank Joshi, consultant endocrinologist at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai joined in to caution that it was also vital to ensure that the drug is given to the correct patient under medical supervision.
It also regulates appetite and food intake by acting on areas of the brain that control hunger. Doctors explained that it supports weight loss in people with Type 2 diabetes and reduces risk of cardiovascular and kidney complications associated with diabetes.
The drug price is Rs 2,200 per week for the lowest dose at 0.25 mg in the country. The monthly cost would be Rs 8,800 per month. Meanwhile the 0.5 mg dose has been priced at Rs 10,170 for a month and the highest 1 mg dose will cost Rs 11,175 per month.
At present, the weekly pricing of Wegovy (0.25 mg dose) is Rs 2,712, while the 0.5 mg drug costs Rs 3,462 per week. The 1 mg dose of Wegovy is priced at Rs 3,462 per week while the 1.7 mg drug is priced at Rs 4,100 per week. Mounjaro (tirzepatide, a combination of GLP1-RA with GIP) 2.5 mg solution for injection that improves blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes when used in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise is priced at Rs 13,500 for 2.5 mg dose per month.
This is the most prescribed GLP-1, according to the panelists at the launch, who also explained that the once-weekly injectable formulation of semaglutide is approved in India for adults with Type 2 diabetes as the first line treatment, adjunct to diet and exercise. “While effectively reducing blood sugar, Ozempic is clinically proven to provide compelling weight-loss benefits in people with diabetes,” Dr Unnikrishnan said.
He also added in addition to powerful HbA1C control and weight benefits, additional benefits of Ozempic include cardiovascular and kidney protection in people with diabetes.
Dr Joshi said that the reason why these GLP-1 agents need to be carefully administered – especially in Indians — is because we have the “thin-fat” phenotype. Which means we have visceral fat inside muscle, liver and epicardial tissue. “Hence these GLP-1 agents need to be administered under medical supervision,” he told The Indian Express.
He further explained that while oral tablets were traditionally preferred, injectables like semaglutide are gaining acceptance due to their effectiveness in controlling blood sugar and promoting weight loss. “Treatments should only be taken under medical supervision and strictly according to prescribed dosages, as microdosing is not recommended,” Dr Joshi said.
Dr Unnikrishnan said the entry of weight loss drugs augured well as differences in their action profile can help doctors approach the disease in a nuanced manner and customise therapies. “We can select individualised therapies based on patient profile,” he said.
However, as generic versions become available, there is a likelihood of a price benefit and better access to people with the disease, Dr Unnikrishnan said. “This will help the overall management of type 2 diabetes and obesity and help the medication reach every corner of the country. The size of the problem is so large that more options are better for people with type 2 diabetes and obesity,” Dr Unnikrishnan told The Indian Express.
