In a strategic move to tap into one of the world’s largest emerging healthcare markets, Danish pharmaceutical major Novo Nordisk is fast-tracking the launch of its weight-loss drug Wegovy in India, now expected by late 2025 — a full year ahead of its initial schedule.
The decision comes in response to rising obesity rates in India and increased competition from U.S. rival Eli Lilly, which recently introduced its own weight-loss medication Mounjaro to the Indian market. With over 250 million Indians affected by obesity, health experts anticipate a growing demand for effective pharmaceutical treatments.
Novo Nordisk’s India head has confirmed that the company is working on a competitive pricing strategy tailored to the country’s cost-sensitive market, where affordability remains a key concern. Wegovy, based on semaglutide, has shown significant results in global clinical trials for both weight reduction and cardiovascular benefits.
The launch also comes ahead of the expected semaglutide patent expiration in 2026, which could open the Indian market to local generics. Industry analysts believe Novo’s early entry could help solidify its market position and brand recognition before generic versions appear.
The drug has already received regulatory approval in India, and authorities are reviewing an expanded indication for use in cardiovascular risk reduction, which could broaden its prescriber base beyond endocrinologists to cardiologists and general practitioners.
India’s pharmaceutical landscape is bracing for a major shift as both global and local firms race to address the growing obesity crisis. Novo Nordisk’s proactive timing may give it an early edge in this potentially multibillion-dollar segment.
