Novo Nordisk's weight loss drug to launch in India via Emcure partnership, Shares jump 8%
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Shares of pharmaceutical company Emcure surged 8% today. This surge came after news of a significant deal the company has signed with Danish multinational Novo Nordisk. Under this deal, Emcure will launch a world-renowned weight loss product in India.
What is this deal?
According to reports, Novo Nordisk's Indian arm has partnered with Emcure to launch a drug called "Poviztra." This drug is essentially a rebranded version of Novo Nordisk's blockbuster weight-loss drug, "Wegovy."
The primary goal of this partnership is to make obesity treatment more accessible to more people in India. As part of the deal, Emcure has received exclusive rights to distribute and market the drug in India.
How will the drug reach people?
Emcure will be responsible for the entire marketing and distribution of the drug. The company's strong nationwide network will help deliver the drug to both major cities and smaller towns and rural areas, where Novo Nordisk has limited direct access.
Drug Key Information
Both Poviztra and Wegovy contain the active ingredient semaglutide. This is an injection that's given once a week. This medication helps promote weight loss by controlling appetite and reducing calorie intake.
Global research has shown that one in three people using this drug have lost more than 20% of their weight. Furthermore, it also reduces the risk of heart disease.
Obesity is becoming a serious health problem in India , with 600 million people suffering from it. According to statistics, approximately 250 million Indians suffer from general obesity and over 350 million from abdominal obesity. Obesity is now considered not just a lifestyle problem but a chronic disease that can lead to over 200 health problems, including heart disease, liver problems, arthritis, and kidney disease.
This partnership is being considered a milestone for India's growing obesity-treatment market. The deal has sent Emcure's shares soaring today, with a remarkable 40% gain over the past six months.