New Delhi: India has cleared the way for a new diabetes treatment option with the approval of Ozempic (semaglutide injection) by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The decision, announced on September 26, authorises the drug to be prescribed as an add-on therapy for adults with Type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. Ozempic comes from GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of medication that helps lower blood sugar while boosting glycemic control. The injection is available in 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg doses. Patients usually report moderate weight loss as a result of the injection; however, the drug is approved for obesity treatment and diabetes management.
Novo Nordisk, which already markets Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) and Wegovy for obesity, is strengthening its position in India’s fast-growing GLP-1 segment. The company recently moved up the launch of Wegovy to mid-2025, anticipating rising demand. The approval of Ozempic adds another important tool for doctors treating India’s rapidly expanding population of diabetes patients.
In India, over 101 million people are currently living with type 2 diabetes, and over 254 million are obese or overweight. Heart disease incidence, too, is at an all-time high – it is also a consequence of being diabetic. Experts believe that Ozempic offers more benefits than just blood sugar control, but it also helps drop extra kilos while reversing kidney disease complications.
Earlier this year, Eli Lilly introduced Mounjaro was approved for use in India. This once-a-week infection targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors that combat obesity and diabetes. Vikrant Shrotriya, Novo Nordisk’s India Managing Director, highlighted the therapy’s broad clinical value: “Ozempic has consistently demonstrated its ability to improve diabetes management, and studies also show its role in reducing cardiovascular and kidney risks. This positions it as a versatile option for both doctors and patients.”
Globally, more than 7.25 million people already use Ozempic, and Novo Nordisk expects adoption in India to accelerate through physician education and patient awareness programmes. The company has also assured that supply will not be an issue.
With the launch of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk is aiming not only to expand treatment choices for diabetes but also to address India’s broader battle against chronic lifestyle diseases. Industry projections suggest the country’s anti-obesity drug market alone could grow from its current ₹3,000–3,500 crore to nearly ₹25,000 crore by 2030—a sign that demand for advanced therapies is only just beginning.