Danish company Novo Nordisk is poised to bring to India its injectable semaglutide — globally popular as Wegoy/Ozempic for weight loss and diabetes, respectively.

Here’s a look at why the “skinny jab” or “fat shot” — as it is varyingly referred to — is making headlines.

1. What is the fuss around Wegovy / Ozempic, and why is it wrapped in celebritydom?  

Ozempic and Wegovy grabbed headlines after international celebrities went to town on losing weight after taking the jab. Ozempic was initially approved in many countries to control Type-II diabetes, and Wegovy is approved for weightloss. Both products contain semaglutide as the active ingredient, and a key patent on this expires in some markets, early 2026. Semaglutide revenues (across its oral tablet and injectible versions) grossed over $ 29 billion.  

Novo is expected to launch Wegovy in India, early next week.

2. Isn’t semaglutide already available in India?

The tablet version of semaglutide, used in treating Type-II diabetes,  is available in India. It costs about ₹10,000 a month.

3. Are there other products in this category in India?

About three months ago, Eli Lilly launched its Mounjaro in India. This is a once-a-week, prescription-based injectable that reduces food intake and body weight, besides decreasing fat mass by regulating appetite.

It was priced at ₹3,500 for a 2.5 mg vial and ₹4,375 for a 5 mg vial, at launch.

Mounjaro / Zepbound are brands for tirzepatide, targeting diabetes and weight loss.

4. Are there side-effects to these drugs?

This class of drugs are called GLP-1 receptor agonist — that work in a manner similar to the GLP-1 (a natural hormone in the body) — increasing the amount of insulin the pancreas releases in response to food, says the European Medicines Agency, explaining semaglutide. This helps control blood glucose levels, the EMA said, adding that it also regulates appetite by increasing a person’s feelings of fullness, while reducing their food intake, hunger and cravings.  

Some listed side-effects of these drugs include vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, among others. Semaglutide was recently red-flagged by the EMA on a possible increased risk of developing an eye condition that may cause loss of vision.

Experts caution people with thyroid issues, for example, on taking these products, and suggest they consult their doctors. These drugs are relatively new, with more data — good and otherwise — still coming out on them.

Another known downside of these drugs is weight gain, when the product is stopped, say experts.  

5. What is the fight Novo has with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL) and OneSource, involving semaglutide?

Presently in India, Novo Nordisk is fighting a patent infringement suit on semaglutide, with two local drugmakers. The outcome would decide, among other things, if DRL will be able to export the product, before the said patent expires in India. According to industry-insiders, Canada is a key market as the patent lapses early next year. Meanwhile, recent media reports indicate that Novo could lose its patent protection in Canada as it had reportedly not paid a maintenance fee — a development that generic drugmakers will watch closely.

6. Are there other local drugmakers making this product? What does it mean for people living with Type II diabetes/ obesity?

Indian drugmakers including Cipla, Lupin, Glenmark, for example, have thrown their hat into the semaglutide ring. While there is no timeline on launches — more makers could help bring down prices on the product for local and overseas people living with diabetes and/or obesity.

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Published on June 20, 2025