The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved two new treatment options for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), commonly known as fatty liver disease, marking a significant advancement in India’s fight against a growing liver health crisis. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (semaglutide) and Emcure Pharmaceuticals’ Poviztra have received regulatory clearance for this indication, as reported by multiple Indian news outlets in July 2026.
🧪 Wegovy: First GLP-1 Approved for Fatty Liver in India
Wegovy (semaglutide), the well-known GLP-1 receptor agonist by Novo Nordisk, received CDSCO approval as the first and only GLP-1 therapy for adults living with fatty liver disease in India. The approval came in mid-July 2026 and was reported by BioSpectrum India (July 18, 2026), The Indian Express (July 17, 2026), and The Hindu (July 17, 2026).
Semaglutide, originally developed for type 2 diabetes and weight management, has shown promising results in clinical trials for MASH by reducing liver fat content, improving liver enzyme levels, and decreasing inflammation and fibrosis. The drug works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates appetite and insulin secretion, leading to significant weight loss and metabolic improvements that directly benefit liver health.
💊 Poviztra: Emcure’s Indian-Made Treatment Option
Emcure Pharmaceuticals also secured CDSCO approval to market Poviztra for the treatment of MASH, as reported by The Economic Times (July 20, 2026), BusinessLine (July 20, 2026), and The Indian Practitioner (July 22, 2026). Poviztra represents an Indian pharmaceutical company’s entry into the increasingly competitive MASH treatment landscape.
Emcure, which is also the Indian partner for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy, now has both a branded GLP-1 therapy and its own indigenous MASH treatment in its portfolio, positioning the company strongly in the hepatology space.
📊 India’s Growing Fatty Liver Crisis
Fatty liver disease has become India’s most common liver condition, with studies indicating that approximately 30-40% of the Indian population may have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The metabolic form of the disease, now termed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), affects a significant proportion of urban Indians due to sedentary lifestyles, rising obesity rates, and increasing diabetes prevalence.
According to a 2026 study reported by The Times of India, the prevalence continues to rise sharply, with younger Indians increasingly affected by the condition. Experts cited by NDTV on World Liver Day 2026 noted that treatment costs have doubled in three years, highlighting the urgent need for more accessible therapeutic options.
🔬 What MASH Patients Should Know
MASH is the progressive inflammatory form of fatty liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. Until these recent approvals, there were no specifically approved pharmacological treatments for MASH in India, with management focused primarily on lifestyle modifications, weight loss, and management of associated metabolic conditions.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): A once-weekly injectable GLP-1 agonist, administered via pre-filled pens. Patients should consult a hepatologist or endocrinologist for proper evaluation and prescription.
- Poviztra (Emcure): An oral treatment option developed specifically for MASH, offering an alternative for patients who may not tolerate or prefer injectable therapies.
- Both treatments require a confirmed MASH diagnosis through non-invasive tests or liver biopsy before prescription.
🏥 Accessing Treatment Through Verified Channels
Patients seeking these new treatment options should ensure they obtain medications from verified and licensed pharmacies. For a list of verified and reliable pharmaceutical distributors, refer to the IMSDA’s verified member directory.
For more information, contact IMSDA at contact@indiamedicine.org.