Indian pharma giants launch generic Semaglutide as Novo Nordisk patent expires

INDIA—Four major Indian pharmaceutical companies have launched generic versions of Semaglutide following the March 21 expiration of the patent on the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drugs Wegovy and Ozempic.

Sun Pharmaceutical, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Zydus Life Sciences, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals rolled out their products immediately after the Danish company’s patent protection ended in India.

Natco Pharma and its marketing partner Eris Lifesciences moved even faster, announcing on March 20 that their product would be available on the first day of patent expiry.

The companies are competing for a share of India’s Semaglutide market, which analysts estimate will reach USD1 billion over the next two years.

Massive Patient Population Drives Demand

The pharmaceutical companies are banking on India’s enormous diabetic population to drive sales.

Studies estimate that more than 100 million people in India have diabetes, while an additional 136 million are pre-diabetic.

This massive patient base has created strong demand for GLP-1 receptor agonists like Semaglutide, which treats type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.

Aggressive Pricing Strategies

The generic manufacturers are pricing their products at a fraction of the innovator’s cost.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories launched its Semaglutide injection, Obeda, for type 2 diabetes in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths.

The prefilled, disposable pens deliver a minimum of 4 weekly doses via subcutaneous administration, costing patients ₹4,200 (USD 49) per month for both strengths.

M.V. Ramana, CEO of Branded Markets at Dr. Reddy’s, explained that the company based its pricing on market research.

The company expects to receive approval from the Drugs Controller General of India for use in weight management within months.

Dr. Reddy’s developed both the active pharmaceutical ingredient and formulation in-house and plans to launch Obeda in Canada, Brazil, and Russia as these markets open up.

Sun Pharmaceutical introduced its semaglutide injection under two brand names: Noveltreat for chronic weight management and Sematrinity for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Weekly therapy costs range from approximately ₹900 to ₹2,000 (USD 11 to USD 23) for Noveltreat and ₹750 to ₹1,300 (USD 9 to USD 15) for Sematrinity, depending on the dose.

Zydus Life Sciences received DCGI approval to manufacture and market semaglutide for the treatment of diabetes and obesity under the brand names Semaglyn, Mashema, and Alterme.

The company offers a 15 mg/3 ml cartridge with an average monthly treatment cost of around ₹2,200 (USD 26).

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals obtained approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization to launch Glipiq for diabetes treatment.

The company offers the most competitive pricing, with weekly treatment costs ranging from ₹325 to ₹440 (USD 4 to USD 5) for its vial formulations.

Industry observers expect many more generic manufacturers to announce their entry into this lucrative market segment in the coming weeks.