Semaglutide prices to slim down from Friday

16 companies to compete with 65-75% cheaper generic medicines

- MANU KAUSHIK & NANDINI OZA

COME MARCH 20, when the patent for Semaglutide expires, the Indian market is expected to see the launch of generic drugs from at least seven pharma companies, at costs ranging from one-third to one-fourth of existing prices.

“The costs will come down to one-third, and some companies are even talking of offering the drug at one-fourth of the price,” asoutce told FE.

The monthly treatment cost of Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) is about ₹10,000-12,000 presently, which is expected to drop to ₹3,000-4,000 per month with generic drugs. And, as the generic opportunity opens up post expiry of patent, it will be the price that will swing pharma fortunes ina market that is set to outpace global trends when it comes to use of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide) drugs.

Semaglutide is used for the treatment of insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management.