EMCURE

Rolls Out Poviztra Amid Rising Obesity Challenge in India

has launched Poviztra, a second brand of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide injection for weight management, making it the first Indian company to exclusively distribute and commercialise the drug in India. Priced at ₹8,790 per month for four weekly doses, Poviztra is 15–20% cheaper than Novo’s Wegovy. With semaglutide penetration still low in India, Emcure aims to leverage its wide distribution network and dedicated field force to expand access across Tier I, II, and III cities. Poviztra is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and distributed by Emcure, priced below Wegovy to improve affordability. Novo had already cut Wegovy’s price by 37% two months earlier, setting the stage for broader adoption. CEO Satish Mehta highlighted Emcure’s pan‑India reach and strong doctor coverage. Poviztra will be rolled out across Tier I, II, and III cities, supported by a 1,000‑member field force. Social media publicity has boosted awareness nationwide, creating demand for advanced therapies. Semaglutide penetration in India is currently 0.2–0.3%, but the category is projected to grow into a ₹2,200‑crore brand. Emcure sees Poviztra as a step toward expanding equitable access amid India’s obesity crisis, with 254 million people affected by generalised obesity and 351 million by abdominal obesity. President Vik Thapar noted that exclusive distribution was more lucrative than deploying the molecule independently. He expects customers to pay a premium for branded therapy. Patent expiry in March 2026 will open the door for generics, but Emcure believes brand loyalty will sustain Poviztra’s relevance. Poviztra will be available in a once‑weekly pen device across five strengths (0.25 mg to 2.4 mg). It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and physical activity for adults with BMI ≥30, or ≥27 with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, or cardiovascular risks.