Novo Nordisk and Roche Aiming to Enhance Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment in India

The increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide has led to a growing demand for innovative drug therapies. This demand is expected to rise shortly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the incidence of diabetes is increasing at a faster rate compared to high-income countries. The Asia Pacific region has been identified as the fastest-growing market for diabetes devices and therapeutics during the forecast period from 2023 to 2027.

According to BioIntel360, the Asia Pacific diabetes devices and therapeutics market is projected to reach a market size of US$44 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.0% during the period from 2023 to 2027. This represents a significant increase from the market size of US$28 billion in 2023. Over the past five years, the sector has shown a CAGR of 11.9%, reaching US$25 billion in 2022. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the rising prevalence of diabetes in developing countries, increased awareness about early diagnosis, the development of healthcare infrastructure, and a growing demand for novel drug therapies.

According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the number of people living with diabetes in India has risen to over 101 million in recent years, compared to 70 million in 2019. Additionally, approximately 136 million individuals (15.3% of the population) have prediabetes, and more than 315 million people have high blood pressure. The diabetes devices and therapeutics market in India is projected to witness a CAGR of 12.0% from 2023 to 2027, with an estimated market size of US$5,173.0 million by 2027, compared to US$3,286.2 million in 2023. These figures emphasise the critical need for improved diabetes care and prevention initiatives in India.

In the coming future, India's pharmaceutical market is expected to remain fragmented, with multiple brands offering branded generics for the same molecule. This diversity provides customers with a wide range of options across various price segments. However, several challenges need to be addressed. Currently, there is a lack of awareness about healthcare, resulting in late diagnosis of diseases and limited access to appropriate treatment options. This situation often leads to complications associated with untreated or poorly managed conditions. While many countries in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region have healthcare costs reimbursed or supported by the government, India primarily operates as an out-of-pocket market. Despite this, healthcare providers and patients in India are open to embracing innovation and adopting new treatment approaches at an early stage. Recognizing this, Novo Nordisk considers India to be a crucial market.

Novo Nordisk recognizes the importance of the Indian market, both in the Asia Pacific region and globally.

Currently, there is a gap in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, with only about 50% of the estimated people with diabetes being diagnosed. Furthermore, among those who receive treatment, only 50% achieve the treatment target, and only about half of them achieve the desired outcomes. Bridging this gap requires collaboration between the government, healthcare providers, and communities.
However, achieving significant progress is not a simple task. The primary focus in India is to assist individuals with diabetes in achieving optimal control of their sugar levels. Novo Nordisk has been supplying insulin products in India continuously since 1935, spanning over 80 years.
The world's first oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist (GLP-1 RA), oral semaglutide, was created as a result of the company's dedication to developing better solutions. Due to its advantages beyond glycemic control, GLP-1-based treatment is becoming increasingly essential in diabetes management. In India, there is a preference for oral tablets over injectables, allowing a greater number of individuals to benefit from this molecule. Consequently, the growth prospects for oral semaglutide are highly promising. Since its launch in India, it has already shown strong adoption and is expected to revolutionize diabetes management, as indicated by Shrotriya within just two months.
In contrast to insulin, which is still the preferred treatment for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, oral semaglutide targets the Modern Oral Anti-Diabetic Drug (MOAD) market. There is a strong possibility that it will disrupt the diabetes market, given its advantages of exceptional weight loss, proven cardiovascular safety, and robust glycemic control. Furthermore, it can be prescribed at the onset of diabetes, providing an additional advantage.

Roche Diabetes Care India (RDC India) recently revealed a significant advancement in their operations, as their blood glucose monitoring gadget, 'Accu-Chek Active,' is now manufactured in India.

This strategic move aims to enhance access to diabetes care and cater to the increasing demands of the Indian market. RDC India has collaborated with Sanmina-SCI India as their manufacturing partner and Parekh Integrated Services as their assembly and distribution partner to make this initiative possible.
The production of Accu-Chek Active meters will be carried out at Sanmina's advanced multi-client manufacturing facility in Chennai, adhering to the globally recognized quality standards associated with the brand. Under the Accu-Chek brand, Roche Diabetes Care India provides a comprehensive range of integrated personalised diabetes management (iPDM) products and solutions. This includes blood glucose monitoring systems like Accu-Chek Guide, Accu-Chek Active, Accu-Chek Instant, and Accu-Chek Instant S, as well as technology-driven solutions like mySugr, a mobile application.

BioIntel360 anticipates that the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide and specifically in India has driven the demand for innovative drug therapies and improved access to diabetes care. The Asia Pacific region, including India, is experiencing significant growth in the diabetes devices and therapeutics market, presenting opportunities for pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Roche Diabetes Care India. Novo Nordisk's focus in India is to assist individuals with diabetes in achieving optimal control of their sugar levels, while Roche Diabetes Care India's move to manufacture its blood glucose monitoring device locally aims to enhance accessibility and meet the growing needs of the Indian market. These initiatives, along with the development of oral semaglutide and the introduction of integrated personalized diabetes management solutions, demonstrate the commitment of these companies to revolutionize diabetes management and improve the lives of individuals with diabetes in India.