India's drug regulator has approved Novo Nordisk's Wegovy to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious fatty liver disease. The condition is widespread in India, with Novo Nordisk estimating two in three people are affected. This approval positions the drug in a competitive market against Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and lower-cost generics, after selling 76,000 units in the first half of 2026.
Wegovy approval for MASH
- ▪The approved dosage of Wegovy for MASH treatment is a 2.4 mg semaglutide injection
- ▪MASH is a serious form of fatty liver disease caused by a buildup of fat in the liver that can lead to inflammation and liver damage
- ▪India's drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, approved Novo Nordisk's drug Wegovy for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
- ▪Wegovy, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, was already approved in India for chronic weight management
Fatty liver disease in India
- ▪Fatty liver disease is often a silent condition, with symptoms typically not appearing until the disease has reached an advanced stage
- ▪According to Novo Nordisk, approximately two in three people in India have fatty liver disease
- ▪If left untreated, MASH can progress to more severe liver complications
India obesity drug market
- ▪In India's obesity-drug market, Novo Nordisk's Wegovy competes with Eli Lilly's Mounjaro
- ▪According to market researcher Pharmarack, about 76,000 units of Wegovy were sold in India during the first six months of 2026
- ▪Local Indian drugmakers, including Dr Reddy's and Sun Pharma, have launched lower-cost generic semaglutide products
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