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Novo Nordisk Partners with Emcure Pharma to Launch Weight-Loss Drug Poviztra in India

The move underscores Novo Nordisk’s intent to deepen its footprint in the country’s obesity treatment segment, leveraging Emcure’s local sales-and-distribution network to reach patients more broadly—including those beyond urban centres. In June 2025, Novo Nordisk had already launched its branded version of the semaglutide injection—Wegovy—in India, marking the molecule’s first foray in the Indian market.

• By Newsdesk
• Mumbai
• Nov 11, 2025

News

Global pharmaceutical leader Novo Nordisk has entered into a strategic collaboration with Indian drug maker Emcure Pharma to bring the injectable weight-loss therapy Poviztra (semaglutide 2.4 mg) to the Indian market. Under this agreement, Emcure will hold exclusive rights to commercialise and distribute the medicine in India.

The move underscores Novo Nordisk’s intent to deepen its footprint in the country’s obesity treatment segment, leveraging Emcure’s local sales-and-distribution network to reach patients more broadly—including those beyond urban centres. In June 2025, Novo Nordisk had already launched its branded version of the semaglutide injection—Wegovy—in India, marking the molecule’s first foray in the Indian market.

Emcure’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Satish Mehta, conveyed confidence in the drug’s prospects, citing their in-depth understanding of India’s diverse geography and healthcare reach. He said the partnership will enable accessibility to patients “who need it the most.”

Obesity presents a mounting public-health challenge in India: the country currently hosts approximately 254 million people with generalised obesity and around 351 million with abdominal obesity. The condition is linked to over 230 associated health complications—including cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, knee osteoarthritis, polycystic ovary syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.

According to Jay Thyagarajan, Senior Vice-President for the APAC region at Novo Nordisk, the collaboration with Emcure will “help broaden access” to this advanced therapy in India. The partnership links Novo Nordisk’s innovation in GLP-1-based treatments with Emcure’s established marketplace presence and infrastructure.

By tapping into Emcure’s reach, Novo Nordisk aims to accelerate the adoption of high-potency weight-loss therapies beyond major metros and engage more patients at risk due to excess weight or obesity.