By Siddhi Vinayak Misra
Copyright breezyscroll
India’s drug regulator has cleared Ozempic (semaglutide), a once-weekly injectable treatment for Type-2 diabetes, opening doors to a therapy that has transformed diabetes care worldwide and sparked a global weight-loss craze. The approval marks a milestone in India’s fight against lifestyle-related diseases but also raises questions about affordability, risks, and long-term impact.
What is Ozempic and how does it work?
Ozempic, developed by Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It mimics the natural hormone GLP-1, helping:
Stimulate insulin release when blood sugar levels are high
Suppress glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar)
Slow gastric emptying, keeping patients fuller for longer
Reduce appetite at higher doses
A higher-dose version, Wegovy, is already licensed for chronic weight management.
Originally approved by the US FDA in 2017, semaglutide has quickly become one of the world’s most talked-about drugs—used by celebrities, praised for dramatic weight loss, but also criticized for its side effects.
Why is India’s approval significant?
India has over 77 million adults living with diabetes, the second-largest population of diabetics in the world after China. Youth and urban populations are increasingly affected, with cardiovascular risks on the rise.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) reviewed semaglutide under its Endocrinology & Metabolism committee before approving manufacture, marketing, and clinical use in India.
This approval comes just months before Novo Nordisk’s patent expires in March 2026, paving the way for cheaper Indian generics and biosimilars that could dramatically lower prices and expand access.
Expected price of Ozempic in India
Pricing has not been officially announced, but industry benchmarks offer clues:
Wegovy in India: ₹17,345 to ₹26,015 per month (depending on dose and pack size).
Competing GLP-1 drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide): ₹14,000–₹17,500 per month for starter doses.
Pros: Why patients and doctors are excited
Better blood sugar control – Clinical trials show significant HbA1c reduction.
Weight loss benefit – Higher doses aid weight loss, useful in overweight or obese patients with diabetes.
Cardiovascular protection – Reduces risk of heart attack, stroke, and related complications in high-risk patients.
Convenience – Once-weekly injection instead of daily medication.
Cons and cautions: What patients must know
While revolutionary, Ozempic is not risk-free. Reported concerns include:
Common side effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation.
Serious risks: Pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury.
Thyroid safety: A “C-cell tumor” signal in rodents prompted cautionary labels for human use.
Other issues: Vision changes, mood disturbances, and anxiety have been reported.
Cost barrier: Without insurance or subsidy, many Indian patients may struggle to afford regular use.
Celebrities who made Ozempic famous
The drug’s popularity has been amplified by high-profile users:
Elon Musk credited semaglutide alongside fasting for weight loss.
Amy Schumer admitted she stopped due to severe side effects.
Sharon Osbourne said she lost 42 pounds but dealt with nausea.
Rebel Wilson and Lizzo have also acknowledged using the drug.
While these endorsements boosted visibility, experts warn against viewing Ozempic as a “quick-fix” slimming shot rather than a prescription medicine.
How will this affect the common man in India?
The real-world impact depends on:
Pricing & access – If costs remain above ₹15,000/month, usage will be restricted to affluent patients.
Insurance coverage – Inclusion in private and government health schemes could expand access.
Generic competition – After March 2026, Indian biosimilars could make treatment far more affordable.
Doctor prescribing practices – Monitoring is essential to avoid misuse as a “weight-loss shortcut” among non-diabetics.
For patients with type-2 diabetes, particularly those with obesity and cardiovascular risks, Ozempic offers genuine benefits—but affordability and safe use remain critical hurdles.
Key takeaway for patients
Prescription only – Ozempic should not be used without medical supervision.
Monitoring required – Regular follow-ups help track side effects and adjust dosage.
Not a cosmetic drug – Its role is in diabetes and obesity management, not casual weight loss.
If India manages to make semaglutide widely available at affordable prices, it could revolutionize diabetes care for millions. But without systemic cost controls, the benefits may remain limited to the wealthy few.
