A Danish pharma major announced the launch of a popular drug in India. And then the once-weekly injection, Ozempic, became available for Type 2 diabetes management.
That happened on Friday. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, has officially launched Ozempic (injectable semaglutide) in the Indian market. This is a big deal for adults managing uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
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Ozempic Price and Dosage
The pricing structure has been announced by Vikrant Shrotriya, MD, Novo Nordisk. Let’s be real, the cost varies significantly depending on the dose:
| Dose | Per Week Price | Per Month Price |
| Lowest (0.25 mg) | ₹2,200 | ₹8,800 |
| Mid (0.5 mg) | N/A | ₹10,170 |
| Highest (1 mg) | N/A | ₹11,175 |
What the Drug Does
Ozempic is a GLP-1 RA (receptor agonist). It’s meant to be used alongside diet and exercise. The thing is, this drug does more than just manage blood sugar:
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Insulin and Sugar Control: It prompts the pancreas to produce more insulin when blood sugar is high. It also prevents the liver from releasing too much sugar.
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Weight and Appetite: It acts on the brain to regulate appetite and food intake, supporting significant weight loss in people with Type 2 diabetes.
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Protection: It is clinically proven to offer additional benefits, including cardiovascular and kidney protection.
According to doctors at the launch, this is currently the most prescribed GLP-1 agent globally. Dr. A G Unnikrishnan noted that it’s approved in India as a first-line treatment.
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Caution for Indian Patients
Despite its effectiveness, experts are urging extreme caution. That happened. Dr. Shashank Joshi and Dr. Unnikrishnan cautioned that the drug must only be given to the correct patient under strict medical supervision.
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The “Thin-Fat” Phenotype: Dr. Joshi explained that Indians often have a “thin-fat” phenotype—meaning they have high visceral fat located in tissues like muscle and the liver, even if they appear thin. This makes careful administration of GLP-1 agents essential, those too.
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Dosage Warning: Dr. Joshi also stressed that treatments must be strictly according to prescribed dosages. Microdosing is not recommended.
The entry of Ozempic and other similar drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) augurs well for customizing therapies. Dr. Unnikrishnan noted that as generic versions become available, there’s a strong likelihood of price benefits and better access across the country, given the sheer size of the diabetes and obesity problem in India. This battle is ongoing.
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