New Delhi, December 12: Global pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk on Friday launched GLP-1 RA drug Ozempic injection in India for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
This GLP-1 RA drug is a new and powerful option for adults whose type 2 diabetes is not completely controlled by diet and exercise. Its biggest speciality is that this drug will be given in the form of FlexTouch injection once a week in combination with existing treatments.
According to the data of World Health Organization (WHO) for 2023-24, 10.1 crore people (i.e. 11.4 percent of the population) are suffering from diabetes in India. This number is the highest in the world after China. Additionally, 136 million people are at risk of developing diabetes (pre-diabetes), and 254 million are obese. These significant figures demonstrate that this is a significant health threat, requiring a reliable treatment.
Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, said that launching Ozempic in India is a significant achievement. It is backed by global trust, excellent clinical results, superior quality, and a robust supply chain. All of this provides Indian doctors with a highly effective option.
He said, “Our goal is to provide a simple treatment. With this easy-to-use pen (injection), which needs to be taken just once a week, patients can achieve better sugar control, weight loss, and heart and kidney protection. This demonstrates Novo Nordisk’s long-term vision.”
Vikrant Shrotriya stated that Ozempic is a long-standing and trusted GLP-1 RA drug, based on 20 years of research and data from over 38 million patients. It controls sugar, reduces appetite through brain pathways, thereby aiding weight loss, and reduces heart and kidney risks in diabetic patients.
He added that the drug was recently included in the WHO’s list of most essential medicines. It will be available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg doses as directed by a doctor.
It’s noteworthy that clinical trials have shown Ozempic to be highly effective. It not only reduces HbA1c (sugar) levels but also significantly promotes weight loss, improving overall metabolism.
It’s ideal for patients with diabetes with a blood sugar level of 7% or higher, especially if they are at risk for heart problems. In addition to controlling sugar, it reduces major cardiovascular risks like heart attack and stroke and prevents the progression of kidney disease, meaning it takes care of your health in the long run.