Novo Nordisk’s team in India is asking the company’s global leaders to launch its weight-loss drug Wegovy earlier than planned. They are worried about falling behind their competitor, Eli Lilly, in a growing market. The company originally planned to introduce Wegovy in India in 2026, once it had regulatory approvals and enough supply. However, the Indian team now suggests launching it next year, around the same time Eli Lilly is expected to release its weight-loss drug, Mounjaro, according to sources.
During a private meeting at Novo Nordisk’s headquarters in Denmark around two months ago, the Indian team expressed concerns that delaying the launch of Wegovy could put the company at a disadvantage compared to Eli Lilly in the Indian market, according to a source who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly. Novo Nordisk declined to comment on internal discussions, and Reuters, The news agency, Reuters said that they were unable to confirm the response received by the India-based executives.
Market Dynamics
The global weight-loss drug market is highly competitive, with analysts predicting it could reach $150 billion annually within the next decade. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are both scaling up production to capture significant market share. In India, the prevalence of obesity is increasing, with a government survey indicating that 24% of women and nearly 23% of men aged 15 to 49 are either overweight or obese.
Strategic Considerations
The Indian market presents a significant opportunity for weight-loss medications, with rising obesity rates and a growing middle class. Delaying Wegovy’s launch could result in a missed opportunity, especially with Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro poised to enter the market. Both drugs belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonists class, which help control blood sugar and promote a feeling of fullness, making them effective for weight loss.
Regulatory and Supply Challenges for Novo Nordisk
Novo Nordisk has expressed concerns about meeting the global demand for Wegovy, which has already led to supply constraints in markets like the U.S. and Europe. The company aims to ensure a stable supply chain before entering new markets. Additionally, obtaining regulatory approvals in India is a time-consuming process, and Novo Nordisk is cautious about launching without the necessary clearances
Local Competition
Indian pharmaceutical companies like Cipla and Dr. Reddy’s are developing generic versions of weight-loss drugs, which could offer more affordable alternatives to Wegovy and Mounjaro. Sun Pharmaceutical is also working on its own GLP-1 receptor agonist. The presence of these generics could impact the market share and pricing strategies of international brands.
