TLDR
- Novo Nordisk reduced Wegovy prices in India by up to 33%, with the highest dose dropping from $220 to $187
- The price cut comes as Wegovy faces competition from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, which became India’s top-selling drug by value in October
- Wegovy launched in India in June, three months after Mounjaro’s March debut, and has been playing catch-up
- Semaglutide, Wegovy’s active ingredient, goes off patent in India in March 2026, opening the door for generic competitors
- Novo Nordisk shares rose 3.8% following the announcement while Lilly shares were marginally up
Novo Nordisk announced a price reduction for Wegovy in India on Tuesday. The weight-loss drug will now cost up to 33% less than its original price.
The highest dose of 2.4 mg will sell for 16,400 rupees ($186.59). That’s down from 24,389.06 rupees.
The lowest dose of 0.25 mg will now cost 10,850 rupees. Previously, it sold for 16,260.94 rupees.
U.S.-listed shares of Novo Nordisk jumped 3.8% to $47.67 following the news. Eli Lilly shares saw a marginal increase.
India represents a crucial market for obesity treatments. Analysts estimate the global market for weight-loss drugs could reach $150 billion annually by the decade’s end.
Playing Catch-Up in a Competitive Market
Wegovy entered the Indian market in June. It’s now competing directly with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, which launched three months earlier in March.
Mounjaro has gained traction quickly. The drug became India’s top-selling medication by value in October.
Sales of Mounjaro have doubled within months of its launch. Wegovy is working to close the gap.
Both medications belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. These treatments promote feelings of fullness and are used for obesity and diabetes management.
The timing of this price cut is noteworthy. Semaglutide, Wegovy’s active ingredient, goes off patent in India in March 2026.
Generic drugmakers will be able to enter the market at that point. The lower price may help Novo Nordisk maintain market share when that happens.
Distribution Partnerships and Market Strategy
Vishal Manchanda, an analyst at Systematix Institutional Equities, offered insight into the move. He noted that Mounjaro is performing better than Wegovy in the Indian market.
“This might be a move to be able to sell more,” Manchanda said. He also pointed to the upcoming generic competition as a factor.
Both companies are expanding their reach through partnerships. Eli Lilly has partnered with Cipla for Mounjaro distribution.
Novo Nordisk has struck a deal with Emcure Pharma for Wegovy. These partnerships are expected to widen distribution across India.
The document detailing the price changes was sent to drug distributors. Novo Nordisk did not respond to requests for comment about the decision.
The price reduction reflects the competitive nature of India’s growing obesity treatment market. Both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are vying for position in this space.
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