India’s drug regulator has approved Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic (semaglutide) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, marking a significant milestone in the global expansion of GLP-1-based therapies. The approval, granted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on September 26, 2025, comes amid record-breaking sales of Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which has rapidly captured both the Indian and global markets, intensifying competition in one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical sectors worldwide.
India Joins Global GLP-1 Wave
The approval by the CDSCO makes India one of the latest entrants into the global network of markets offering semaglutide, a drug that has reshaped modern diabetes and obesity care. The once-weekly injectable is already approved in over 100 countries and marketed globally under the Ozempic brand for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity management.
Industry analysts said the Indian authorization represents more than a regional expansion. With one of the world’s largest diabetes populations, the country’s inclusion could significantly influence supply chains, pricing dynamics, and long-term adoption patterns.”
Novo Nordisk is expected to leverage this approval to strengthen its presence in emerging markets, even as it faces growing pressure from competitors and capacity constraints in Western markets due to surging global demand.
Mounjaro’s Blockbuster Momentum
Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, which targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, has become one of the most successful drug launches in India’s recent history. Within six months of introduction, the drug posted monthly sales of about USD 9.6 million, making it the second-largest pharma brand in India by value, according to The Economic Times.
Globally, Mounjaro’s success has propelled Lilly’s market capitalization to record highs, narrowing the gap with Novo Nordisk in the race for leadership in the metabolic-drug segment. The company recently announced plans to invest over USD 1 billion in India to expand manufacturing capacity and ensure steady global supply, underscoring the country’s rising importance in the worldwide pharmaceutical ecosystem.
Head-to-Head Battle Intensifies
Ozempic’s Indian entry now sets the stage for direct competition with Mounjaro in one of the world’s most price-sensitive healthcare markets. Mounjaro currently enjoys a first-mover advantage, established physician trust, and flexible dosing formats. However, Ozempic brings an extensive global clinical track record and the prospect of affordability once semaglutide’s patent expires in 2026 — potentially opening the door for generic manufacturers.
Globally, the rivalry is reshaping R&D priorities across the pharmaceutical sector. Investment is flowing into next-generation incretin therapies, oral GLP-1 agents, and combination drugs targeting obesity, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. Grand View Research Inc. predicts the global obesity-drug market could exceed USD 77.24 billion by 2030, driven by GLP-1 adoption and broader therapeutic integration.
Global Implications
India’s approval of Ozempic and Mounjaro’s surging local sales underscore a pivotal trend: the center of gravity in global chronic-disease management is shifting toward emerging markets. As obesity and diabetes rates climb across Asia, pharmaceutical multinationals are localizing production, pricing, and distribution to meet vast untapped demand. With Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly now firmly entrenched in India, the world’s two most valuable drugmakers are not just competing for market share, they are defining the future of global metabolic health.
