What the Drugs Controller General of India has actually approved — and for which conditions.
Currently approved
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — all approved by DCGI for use in India.
Approved indications
Most are approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy and Saxenda specifically for chronic weight management. Mounjaro is approved for diabetes; the weight indication is pending DCGI review.
Off-label prescribing
Doctors can legally prescribe an approved drug 'off label' for a non-approved indication when clinically justified — e.g. Ozempic for weight when Wegovy isn't available or affordable. Common practice, accepted by regulators.
What's not approved
Compounded semaglutide (mixing the molecule with other ingredients) is not approved in India. The grey-market 'research peptides' that bypass DCGI are illegal to sell or prescribe.
