Healthcare/Biotech
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Updated on 11 Nov 2025, 02:43 pm
Reviewed By
Akshat Lakshkar | Whalesbook News Team
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Novo Nordisk has dramatically reduced the prices of its blockbuster weight-loss drug, Wegovy, in the Indian market. The highest dose (2.4 mg) will now cost 16,400 rupees, a 33% drop from its previous price of 24,389.06 rupees. Similarly, the lowest dose (0.25 mg) is now priced at 10,850 rupees, down from 16,260.94 rupees.
This aggressive pricing strategy follows Eli Lilly's weight-loss therapy, Mounjaro, becoming India's best-selling drug by value in October. Both companies are engaged in a race for dominance in the rapidly growing global weight-loss treatment market, estimated to reach $150 billion annually.
Industry experts suggest the price cuts are essential for Novo Nordisk to compete effectively in India's price-sensitive market and gain ground against Mounjaro. The move also precedes the patent expiry of Wegovy's active ingredient, semaglutide, in India in March 2026, which will open the door for generic manufacturers.
Impact: This price reduction is expected to increase Wegovy's market penetration in India, intensify competition in the lucrative weight-loss drug segment, and potentially influence pricing strategies of other market players. It signifies a direct battle for market share between global pharmaceutical giants in a key emerging economy. Rating: 6/10
Difficult Terms Explained: Blockbuster Drug: A drug that achieves annual sales exceeding $1 billion. Active Ingredient: The biologically active component of a drug that produces the intended therapeutic effect. Patent: A government-granted exclusive right for an invention, preventing others from making, using, or selling it for a specified period. Generic Players: Companies that manufacture and sell drugs whose patents have expired, typically at lower prices. Price-sensitive Market: A market where consumers are highly influenced by price and tend to choose lower-cost options.