Emcure Beats 9 Rivals to Secure Second Semaglutide Brand from Novo Nordisk for India
New Delhi: Emcure Pharmaceuticals has secured exclusive rights to market a second brand of semaglutide in India through a partnership with Novo Nordisk, following intense competition from multiple pharmaceutical firms, according to the company's management.
During the company’s Q3 FY26 earnings call, Emcure Managing Director and CEO Satish Mehta stated that nearly eight to nine pharmaceutical companies were competing to secure the semaglutide partnership with Novo Nordisk. He highlighted that the collaboration reflects strong confidence in Emcure’s capabilities and strengthens its positioning among multinational pharmaceutical partners.
Under the agreement, Emcure launched its semaglutide brand Poviztra in December 2025. The company reported that the product has shown encouraging initial market traction, recording estimated sales of nearly Rs 1 crore within the launch month. The therapy is now available across India and is supported by awareness programmes targeting healthcare professionals.
The product is marketed in five dosage strengths, including 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and a 2.4 mg maintenance dose. The therapy is administered once weekly and is priced starting at approximately Rs 8,790 per month for four weekly doses. The drug is indicated for weight management and related metabolic conditions.
Emcure stated that while Novo Nordisk will continue focusing on specialist-driven therapeutic areas such as endocrinology and diabetes, Emcure aims to expand awareness among cardiologists, highlighting clinical evidence demonstrating cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide therapy.
The company further noted that the licensing model supports strong revenue generation with relatively limited upfront investment and helps maintain double-digit EBITDA margins within its in-licensed product portfolio. However, Emcure acknowledged that anticipated generic competition following semaglutide patent expiry in 2026 may increase pricing pressure, and the company remains prepared to adopt competitive pricing strategies.
Novo Nordisk has identified over 230 weight-related comorbidities linked to obesity, indicating significant patient demand for semaglutide-based therapies. The collaboration is expected to expand patient access, particularly in underserved markets and beyond metropolitan areas through Emcure’s distribution network. Currently, Emcure’s in-licensed portfolio contributes nearly seven percent of total company revenue and a higher proportion of domestic sales.
Alongside the semaglutide partnership, Emcure is expanding its global biosimilar pipeline and expects approvals in emerging markets for products such as pegfilgrastim, particularly targeting markets like Canada. The company is also evaluating entry opportunities in the US biosimilar segment through collaborative licensing strategies.
The company reported strong financial performance in Q3 FY26, with revenue rising 20.4 percent year-on-year to Rs 2,363 crore. EBITDA stood at Rs 460 crore with margins of 19.5 percent, while net profit increased 48.2 percent to Rs 231 crore. Domestic business grew 15.4 percent to Rs 1,025 crore, while international operations expanded 24.5 percent to Rs 1,338 crore, supported by strategic in-licensing partnerships, reports The Economic Times.
Also Read: Emcure Pharma reports 25 percent surge in profit after tax to Rs 251 crore in Q2
