Significant Price Reduction in Diabetes and Weight Management Medications

Amid a rising number of obesity and Type 2 diabetes cases in the country, demand for semaglutide-based medications used in their treatment has increased significantly. In response, domestic pharmaceutical companies have introduced lower-cost generic versions in the market. With competition intensifying, Denmark-based Novo Nordisk has also reduced the prices of its branded drugs substantially.

As part of this move, the company has cut the prices of its injectable semaglutide brands Ozempic by 36% and Wegovy by 48%. However, there has been no change in the price of the oral brand Rybelsus. These revised prices came into effect from April 1. Following the reduction, the monthly cost of the 0.25 mg dose of Ozempic and Wegovy has decreased from ₹8,800 and ₹10,848 to ₹5,660. Currently, Ozempic is available in three dosage strengths (0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg), with prices ranging between ₹5,660 and ₹9,100. Wegovy is available in five dosage variants, priced between ₹5,660 and ₹16,400.

Ozempic is primarily used for diabetes management, while Wegovy is prescribed for weight management and obesity treatment. Company representatives stated that the price revisions are aimed at making these innovative therapies more accessible in India. Meanwhile, domestic companies are also offering competitive generic versions at lower prices. Natco Pharma’s pen-based semaglutide is priced between ₹4,000 and ₹4,500 per month, while Dr. Reddy’s injectable version (for diabetes) is priced at around ₹4,200. Sun Pharma’s Sematrinity is priced between ₹3,000 and ₹5,200 and NovelTreat (for weight management) ranges from ₹3,600 to ₹8,000.