Novo Nordisk launches weight-loss drug in India

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk launched its weight-loss drug Wegovy in India, which has the third highest obese population in the world, the company announced on Tuesday.

- Rhythma Kaul

NEW DELHI:

The much-awaited drug is being made available in five dosing strengths with an easy-to-use pen device which does away the use of syringes, and therefore, can be self-administered at home, the company added.

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, is the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Novo Nordisk's other drug Ozempic. While Wegovy is indicated for weight management, Ozempic in many countries across the world is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ozempic is currently not available in India.