Prices of weight loss drugs expected to halve in India

Domestic drugmakers Dr Reddy’s, Sun, Zydus ready semaglutide generics as patent expires

- Jessica Jani

India’s weight-loss drug market is on the verge of a price shakeup.

In days, domestic drugmakers are set to launch cheaper versions of semaglutide, the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) therapy popular globally for weight management, following the drug’s patent expiry in the country on Friday.

The move is expected to cut prices by roughly half, broaden access, and spark intense competition in what could become one of India’s fastest-growing therapy segments.

Originally developed by Novo Nordisk to treat type-2 diabetes, semaglutide, delivered in an injection, has gained global attention for its weight-loss benefits. The drug is sold under brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus (oral pill) by the Danish pharma giant.

With patent protection expiring, companies including Dr. Reddy's Life sciences, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, and Alkem Laboratories are preparing day-one launches of generic versions at significantly lower costs.

Pharmarack, more than 50 brands could enter the market post-patent expiry.