Novo Nordisk rolls out weight loss drug Wegovy in India, following Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro launch

Novo Nordisk (NVO) has launched its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy in India, shortly after rival Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) introduced its popular weight loss/diabetes therapy Mounjaro in the country this March.

The Danish drugmaker will offer Wegovy as a once-weekly injection in five dosage strengths: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.75 mg, and 2.4 mg.

Approved in India for chronic weight management and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events, the drug will be priced at 4,366 rupees ($50.71) for the first three doses. Monthly treatment will cost 17,345 rupees, while higher doses are priced between 24,280 rupees and 26,015 rupees per month.

The drug is under distribution and will be in pharmacies by end of the month, Reuters reported, quoting Vikrant Shrotriya, Novo Nordisk’s India managing director.

Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY), which operates a duopoly in the weight loss drug market with Novo Nordisk (NVO), had introduced Mounjaro 2.5 mg and 5 mg vials at 3,500 rupees and 4,375 rupees, respectively.

NVO shares were up 1.95% premarket.