Novo Nordisk India has partnered with Pune-based Emcure Pharmaceuticals to launch Poviztra® (semaglutide injection 2.4 mg) — a second brand of Wegovy® — for chronic weight management in India. The strategic collaboration marks a significant step in expanding access to Novo Nordisk’s globally recognised obesity treatment across the country.
Under the agreement, Emcure Pharma becomes the first Indian company with exclusive rights to distribute and commercialise Poviztra® in India. The partnership aims to strengthen the reach of semaglutide for weight loss through Emcure’s extensive marketing and distribution network, particularly in regions beyond Novo Nordisk’s existing coverage.
Novo Nordisk had launched Wegovy® in India in June 2025. The injectable drug, based on the semaglutide molecule, is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management and the reduction of cardiovascular risk in adults with overweight or obesity. In global clinical studies, one in three participants on Wegovy® achieved more than 20% weight loss.
“Obesity is a serious chronic disease affecting millions across India. After launching Wegovy® earlier this year, we are pleased to join hands with Emcure Pharma to broaden access to high-quality, safe, and effective obesity treatment,” said Jay Thyagarajan, Senior Vice President, Region APAC, Novo Nordisk. “This partnership combines Novo Nordisk’s innovation in GLP-1 therapies with Emcure’s robust market reach to improve access for people living with obesity.”
Satish Mehta, CEO and Managing Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, said the collaboration reinforces Emcure’s commitment to addressing unmet medical needs in India.
“We are proud to be the first Indian company to bring the world’s most trusted GLP-1-based weight loss molecule to Indian patients,” he said. “With our strong distribution network and deep understanding of India’s diverse geography, we aim to make Poviztra® accessible to those who need it the most.”
Semaglutide (marketed globally under brands such as Wegovy® and Poviztra®) has been extensively studied through multiple obesity trials under the STEP and SELECT programmes and has over 38 million patient years of exposure worldwide. The once-weekly injectable comes in a state-of-the-art pen device with five dosage strengths, ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg.
According to The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2023), India has nearly 254 million people with generalised obesity and 351 million with abdominal obesity, underlining the growing need for safe, long-term obesity management solutions.
