NEW DELHI, India: Indian drugmakers have begun launching lower-cost versions of popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy after a key patent expiry, sharply reducing treatment costs and intensifying competition in the market.
At least half a dozen companies introduced generic versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in both drugs, over the weekend, with prices estimated to be about 70 percent lower than the original products.
The patent for semaglutide expired in India last week, opening the door for a wave of launches. Analysts expect more than 40 Indian companies to introduce over 50 versions in the coming months.
The move is part of a broader push by Indian pharmaceutical firms to tap into the rapidly growing global obesity treatment market, which is projected to reach around US$100 billion by the end of the decade. Companies are also eyeing international markets such as Canada, Brazil, Latin America, and Turkey for future expansion.
Among the early entrants, Sun Pharmaceutical launched injectable semaglutide under the brand names Noveltreat for weight management and Sematrinity for type 2 diabetes. Weekly treatment with Noveltreat is expected to cost between Rs. 900 and Rs. 2,000, while Sematrinity is priced between Rs. 750 and Rs. 1,300.
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories introduced its version, Obeda, in disposable pen formats for diabetes treatment, priced at about Rs. 4,200 per month.
Zydus Lifesciences launched three versions — Semaglyn, Mashema, and Alterme — targeting both diabetes and obesity, with an average monthly cost of around Rs. 2,200.
Torrent Pharmaceuticals rolled out both oral and injectable versions under the names Sembolic and Semalix, with injectable treatments starting at Rs. 3,999 per month.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launched GLIPIQ in vial and pen formats for diabetes, with monthly costs estimated between Rs. 1,300 and Rs. 1,760.
Alkem Laboratories introduced semaglutide under three brand names — Semasize, Obesema, and Hepaglide — starting at about Rs. 1,800 per month in pre-filled injection pens.
Eris Lifesciences launched a vial-based version called Sundae, priced from Rs. 1,290 per month, and is partnering with Natco Pharma for manufacturing.
The rapid rollout of lower-cost alternatives is expected to significantly expand access to treatment in India, where affordability has been a key barrier.
With dozens more versions likely to enter the market, competition among drugmakers is set to intensify, potentially reshaping pricing dynamics for one of the fastest-growing segments in the pharmaceutical industry.
