India’s anti-obesity and diabetes drug market is entering a new competitive phase as Novo Nordisk has partnered with Abbott to introduce a second semaglutide brand in the country, just two months after the launch of Ozempic.
Under the agreement, Abbott will exclusively distribute and market Extensior, a second brand of semaglutide injection positioned alongside Ozempic in India. Manufacturing will continue to be handled by Novo Nordisk. Extensior will be available in three dosage strengths — 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg — mirroring Ozempic’s dosing profile. Pricing details have not yet been disclosed, though the product is expected to be competitively aligned with Ozempic.
The move forms part of Novo Nordisk’s broader access strategy as demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists accelerates across India, particularly beyond metro cities and premium clinics. With semaglutide’s patent expiry approaching, multinational innovators are moving quickly to strengthen distribution networks and secure market share ahead of an anticipated influx of generics.
The development echoes a similar strategy adopted by Eli Lilly and Company, which partnered with Cipla to expand penetration of Mounjaro through a second brand, Yurpeak, targeting tier-2 and tier-3 markets. Mounjaro, whose active ingredient is tirzepatide, has recorded cumulative sales of ₹713 crore since its launch in March 2025. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy continues to build market share in the weight-loss segment.
Abbott becomes the second Indian company to secure exclusive distribution rights for a semaglutide injection, following Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited, which markets the brand Poviztra 2.4 mg.
India’s weight-loss and metabolic therapy segment is witnessing heightened deal activity as semaglutide is expected to lose patent protection in March. Demand for semaglutide-based therapies such as Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic has surged sharply, with combined sales crossing ₹1,000 crore within a year of their launches.
Industry estimates suggest that at least seven to eight generic brands are preparing to enter the Indian market once exclusivity lapses. These products are expected to be priced 50–60% lower than innovator brands, potentially widening patient access and further expanding the addressable market.
Several domestic drugmakers have already announced day-one launch plans or strategic collaborations. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd has unveiled Noveltreat; Dr. Reddy's Laboratories is preparing Obeda; and Zydus Grouphas lined up brands including Semaglyn, Mashema and Alterme.
In parallel, Eris Lifesciences has partnered with NATCO Pharma to commercialise semaglutide in India. Earlier this month, OneSource Pharma entered into an agreement with Hikma Pharmaceuticals to market semaglutide in Saudi Arabia. In December, Ajanta Pharma Ltd signed a deal with Biocon to commercialise the drug across several Asian and African markets.
The Abbott–Novo Nordisk collaboration underscores intensifying competition in India’s fast-growing GLP-1 segment, as global innovators and domestic manufacturers position themselves ahead of a pivotal patent transition that could reshape pricing, access and market dynamics in the coming months.
