Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk has once again reduced the prices of its blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy in India. The strategic move is aimed at staying ahead of the entry of the low-cost generic competition in the country.Starting today, the Ozempic price in India will be cut by 36 percent, while Wegovy has seen a steeper 48 percent reduction — limiting the base price below Rs 6,000 per month. While Ozempic is available in three dose strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg in India, Wegovy has five dose strengths. Ozempic's and Wegovy's lowest doses of 0.25 mg will now be priced at Rs 1,415 for a weekly shot from Rs 2,200 and Rs 2,712 earlier, respectively, Novo Nordisk India said in a statement on Tuesday. The average price reduction across doses is 23.8 percent for Ozempic and 27 percent for Wegovy, it added. Speaking to the media, Novo Nordisk stated that the price cut will benefit a large section of people with diabetes and obesity in India. The generic weight loss drugs will open up a huge customer base, especially in India, with a high burden of diabetes and obesity.Novo first slashed Wegovy's price for the first time by up to 37 percent from its launch price last year.In addition to the entry of generics, the launch of rival Eli Lilly's blockbuster diabetes and obesity drug Mounjaro in India in 2025. Also read: Semaglutide Becomes Cheap In India: A Gamechanger Or Health Gamble? Entry Of Generics In India Soon after the end of Novo Nordisk's patent on semaglutide, on March 20, a host of companies in India launched generic versions of Ozempic. This includes NATCO Pharma's Semanat and Semafull, priced at Rs 1,290 per month and Rs 1,750 — about 90 per cent cheaper than Ozempic, costing Rs 8,800 per month. Eris Lifesciences also announced its plans to launch a multi-dose vial under the brand name Sundae at the same price.Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals have also launched their generic versions of semaglutide. Dr. Reddy’s Obeda is priced at Rs 4,200 per month, available in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries will sell under the brand names Noveltreat (doses ranging from Rs 900) and Sematrinity (doses ranging from Rs 750). Meanwhile, Glenmark’s GLIPIQ vials range from Rs 325 to Rs 440 per week. Zydus Lifesciences has also announced the launch of its generic version of semaglutide injection under the brand names SEMAGLYNTM, MASHEMATM, and ALTERMET. The average monthly cost of the treatment will be about Rs 2,200, the company said in a statement. Alkem Laboratories' semaglutide injection is priced merely at a weekly cost of Rs 450 — making it one of the cheapest options available in the market.How Does Semaglutide Work? Semaglutide works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics the GLP-1 hormone to regulate appetite and blood sugar. It slows gastric emptying and makes you feel fuller longer. It also signals the brain to reduce hunger and cravings, and triggers the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high. Also read: This Pill Is More Effective For Weight Loss Than Ozempic, Scientists SayThey work by increasing insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner, decreasing the liver's production of glucagon, and slowing down the emptying of the stomach, which helps lower blood sugar levels after a meal. They also act on the brain to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake. In people with type 2 diabetes, notes Harvard Health, the body's cells are resistant to the effects of insulin and the body does not produce enough insulin, or both. This is when GLP-1 agonists stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and suppress the release of another hormone called glucagon. These drugs also act in the brain to reduce hunger and act on the stomach to delay emptying, so you feel full for a longer time. These effects can lead to weight loss, which can be an important part of managing diabetes.