Non-cirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) market in India is entering a new phase, with awareness-driven strategies expected to play a pivotal role in improving diagnosis, treatment access, and patient outcomes. The expanded approval of semaglutide for adults with MASH and fibrosis stages F2–F3 marks a significant development, while rising diagnosed prevalence and growing awareness initiatives are set to reshape the country’s clinical and commercial landscape, according to GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recently approved the expanded use of Novo Nordisk Wegovy (semaglutide) for adults with MASH and fibrosis stages F2–F3.

According to GlobalData Pharma Intelligence Center, the number of diagnosed prevalent cases in India is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.72% between 2026 and 2031. This highlights the urgent need for effective treatment options and increased awareness of the disease.

Saroglitazar, an approved treatment for MASH in India and marketed under multiple brand names such as Lipaglyn & Bilypsa by Zydus, Linvas by Lupin, and Vorxar by Torrent, has historically been used for management of MASH. However, semaglutide is the first glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapy to receive approval for MASH in India.

The CDSCO decision is supported by the global Phase III ESSENCE trial, in which semaglutide achieved a 63% reduction in steatohepatitis and a 36% improvement in liver fibrosis. Zuventus, a subsidiary of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, secured exclusive rights in November 2025 to commercialize and distribute Poviztra as a second brand of Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy in India.

GlobalData’s Digital Marketing Intelligence has identified MASH awareness campaigns from various Indian pharma companies such as Ayushmanliver, LiverForever, MASH24x7 (on Facebook, X and YouTube) from Zydus, and Winningoverobesity including liver diseases (on Facebook and YouTube) from Emcure.

Significantly, the Indian government has included non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including MASH, in the National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS). Additionally, the Goa government has collaborated with Zydus on the “LiverForever – Goa Healthcare Model,” a dedicated portal for MASH awareness.

Abhishake Peyyeti, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, states: “Since MASH typically shows few or no early signs until it leads to serious liver damage, awareness initiatives at both the government and company levels will be crucial for improving access to treatment for the relevant patient population.”

According to the GlobalData Pharma Intelligence Center, there are seven drugs in the clinical development for MASH in India, two drugs in Phase III study, four drugs in Phase II study and 1 drug in Phase I study.

Peyyeti concludes: “Novo Nordisk’s regulatory success with semaglutide positions the company advantageously within India’s growing MASH market. This strategic first-mover situation allows Novo Nordisk to potentially secure a significant market share. Furthermore, the firm is effectively leveraging its strategic alliance with Zuventus, a subsidiary of Emcure to enhance market penetration and distribution channels.”