Novo Nordisk<\/a>\u00a0under brands such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, and is widely credited with triggering a global boom in anti-obesity drugs.
\n\t\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\tWhile India is expected to see dozens of pharmaceutical companies launch generic versions after patent expiry, Shrotiya said the company does not see the market as a zero-sum game. \u201cThis is a battle of science, not a battle of consumerisation,\u201d he said, adding that complex peptide medicines such as semaglutide require highly controlled manufacturing processes, stringent impurity management and strong safety monitoring.<\/p>\n
\t\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\tThe therapy, according to the company, is supported by more than 50 clinical trials across diabetes, obesity and cardiometabolic diseases, along with nearly a decade of global usage and roughly 49 million patient-years of exposure. India has contributed 8-10 per cent of participants to these global trials, according to the company.<\/p>\n
\t\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\tShrotiya also emphasised that pricing adjustments had already been made to reflect the Indian market\u2019s affordability constraints, even before patent expiry. \u201cWe have adopted an India-centric pricing strategy to improve access,\u201d he said. \u201cPrice is only one dimension of value. Doctors also look at long-term safety, device reliability and manufacturing quality.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\tThe company has also expanded partnerships with domestic firms to widen access across the country. Its semaglutide portfolio in India is supported by co-marketing and distribution arrangements with companies including Torrent Pharmaceuticals and Abbott.<\/p>\n
\t\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\tBeyond pricing, Novo Nordisk expects the obesity therapy market in India to grow gradually as awareness improves and more patients seek medical treatment for weight-related conditions. Obesity is increasingly recognised as a chronic metabolic disease linked to heart, liver and kidney complications.<\/p>\n
\t\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\tAccording to Shrotiya, the company is continuing to invest in next-generation therapies that build on semaglutide\u2019s success, including higher-dose formulations and combination treatments such as CagriSema and Amycretin.<\/p>\n
\t\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\tDespite the upcoming wave of generics, he said the market remains at a very early stage in India. \u201cIn most therapeutic areas you have 20 or more companies competing. In obesity, there are only a few today,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat matters is expanding scientific awareness and helping more patients access treatment. The market itself still needs to be built.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\tWith the patent for the drug nearing expiry, the Indian market is expected to open up to a potential \u20b91,000-2,000 crore incremental revenue opportunity in the branded formulations segment. The entry of lower-priced versions could significantly boost the adoption of GLP-1 therapies among people with diabetes.<\/p>\n
\t\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\tIndia represents a large and fast-growing market for such treatments. According to the National Family Health Survey-5, nearly one in four Indians aged 15-49 is overweight or obese, while the Indian Council of Medical Research\u2019s INDIAB study estimates that more than 101 million people in the country are living with diabetes.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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