The world of weight management is rapidly evolving. In India, where weight loss has traditionally been associated with fad diets and intense workouts, the introduction of injectables like Ozempic, Zepbound, Monjaro, Vegovy is set to bring a transformational change.

While these brands are making waves in the West, trends suggest that they will make a significant impact on the weight loss market in India as well. At present, these medicines are ready to be launched in India after getting the necessary approvals.

Of these, three drugs have been making headlines time and again: Ozempic (which has never really been in the headlines), and the comparatively new players, Zepbound and Monzaro. But can these injectables really enter the Indian markets, or do challenges await them? But before we get into that, here’s a quick crash course on these three drugs.

What are Ozempic, Zepbound and Monjaro?

Ozempic: Notorious drug promoted by well-known faces like Elon Musk, Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works like a mimicker (like a stunt double) that mimics GLP-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, increases insulin secretion, and makes you feel full. This weekly injection has also gained popularity in India, as many people import it from the West.

zepbound: Contains tirazepate, which is a dual agonist that targets both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. This medication is specifically approved for weight management in obese adults with weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure or obstructive sleep apnea.

This dual action enhances appetite suppression and improves glucose control more effectively than a single agonist such as Ozempic.

monjaro: It also contains tirazepate and shares the same mechanism of action as Zepbound. It is branded for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but is essentially the same compound as Zepbound. Mainly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Although it may also aid in weight loss, its branding focuses on diabetes management.

According to Dr. Samrat Shah, internal medicine specialist, Apollo Spectra, Pune, “Ozempic helps reduce your appetite levels, while injectable treatments like Monjaro and Zepbound significantly reduce both appetite and the way your body stores fat. Let’s target from.”

He further explains that while Ozempic is widely recognized for the management of type 2 diabetes, Monjaro’s dual-action system provides better benefits for people struggling with both obesity and diabetes.

side effects

Although these medications promise effective weight management, they come with some side effects of their own. Dr Tushar Tayal, consultant, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, says, “Both the medicines [semaglutide, tirzepatide] Warn about possible thyroid tumors, including cancer, observed in animal studies.

Other side effects include weight gain after you stop taking the medication. Additionally, some people have noted a focus on ‘Ozempic Face’ and ‘Ozempic Butt and Body’ as these drugs often result in excessive muscle loss along with weight loss.

Another drawback of these drugs is the price. For example, one injection of Ozempic is sold for between Rs 9,000-10,000.

Impact on Indian weight loss market

Despite being widely disseminated, these side effects have not stopped people from taking these injections. In fact, these drugs are likely to be launched in India by 2025-26. US-based pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly plans to launch Monjaro in India in 2025, while Novo Nordisk, the company that produces Ozempic, recently shared its plans to launch Vegovy (Ozempic’s counterpart) by 2026.

India Today Experts we spoke to said that India’s weight loss market, which has traditionally been inclined towards diet plans, Ayurvedic treatments and fitness regimes, could be revolutionized by the introduction of these scientifically-backed drugs.

Data also indicate that there may be a huge demand for such drugs (albeit more affordable) due to rising obesity rates in India. Over the past decade, the proportion of Indians who are overweight or obese has increased significantly. This figure has increased from 25 percent in 2013 to 40 percent in 2023.

Experts agree. Weight loss expert, keto coach and founder of Ketorates Rahul Kamra explains India Today With obesity and diabetes on the rise, they offer a scientifically supported solution that may appeal to many.

Dr. Tushar Tayal, consultant internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, believes that these injections could increase demand for such treatments, which could potentially impact sales of traditional weight loss products and dietetics. Can change habits.

However, according to these experts, these injectables may face some challenges once launched in India.

challenges ahead

Experts suggest that the challenges these companies will have to face can be divided into two parts. The first part is about the challenges they faced before launch. These include obtaining regulatory approvals and deciding the price point.

Rahul mentions that approval processes may be stringent in India, which may delay market entry. In India, drug approval is overseen by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The process begins with a New Drug Application (NDA) submission, which includes data on the safety, efficacy, and quality of the drug. Clinical trials are required in India to validate its suitability for the local population, in compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and regulations.

The drug is tested in animals before human testing. Detailed documentation and manufacturing facility inspections ensure quality control. The approval process typically takes 12-18 months.

The next challenge for these companies is to set appropriate prices, as these drugs generally cost around Rs 10,000 – 15,000, which is out of the reach of most Indians. Dr Tayal explains that it is very important to address the high cost of these drugs to make them accessible to the wider population.

On the other hand, Dr Vaishali Naik, diabetes and endocrinologist at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, suggests that the launch in India may take time as people are hesitant to try easy weight loss drugs. “These companies may face challenges in making a strong impact in the market because people may have doubts about the safety of these drugs,” she says.

Following the launch, experts suggest that it is important to educate both doctors and patients about proper use and side effects, as Indians may still prefer holistic and natural treatments, which may hinder acceptance.