Weight management medication Wegovy now available in India

Novo Nordisk has announced the launch of Wegovy (injectable Semaglutide) in India. Wegovy – a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) – is indicated for both long-term chronic weight management and reduction in risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in people living with the condition. It is available in five dosing strengths with the convenience of an innovative pen device.

India has the third highest number of people living with overweight and obesity. Alarmingly, obesity is associated with over 200 diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Misconceptions about obesity include that it is the result of poor lifestyle choices and a lack of self-discipline. However, obesity is caused by many different factors, including genetics, biology, psychology, society, and the living environment. As with other chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or asthma, obesity requires long-term management with effective treatment solutions.

Clinical studies with Semaglutide 2.4 mg (the active ingredient in Wegovy) demonstrate:

• 20 per cent or more weight reduction in at least 1 in 3 individuals when used along with lifestyle interventions comprising reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
• 20 per cent reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, like stroke, heart attack and cardiovascular disease-related death, when used on top of standard of care in people with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity.

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that acts on key areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and food intake, thereby reducing hunger, improving satiety and reducing food cravings, eventually inducing weight loss. It also improves insulin resistance and has a beneficial effect on the reduction of cardiometabolic events and risk factors.

Addressing the media, Vikrant Shrotriya – Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India said,  “We are bringing Wegovy to Indians as a transformative and evidence-based therapeutic solution with the convenience of a world-class, state-of-the-art pen device. Additionally, we have an India-specific price with the benefit of the same price for the first three dosing strengths.”

Wegovy will be available in a once-weekly innovative pen device in five dose strengths – 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and a maintenance dosing of 2.4 mg.