India Set To Launch Low-Cost Ozempic Copies As Patents Expire

India-West News Desk

MUMBAI – India is set to become the first major market to see a wave of generic semaglutide as patent protections for Novo Nordisk A/S’s weight-loss drugs expire March 27. At least a dozen major Indian pharmaceutical firms are preparing to launch lower-cost versions of the treatment, driving prices down, Bloomberg News reported.

Natco Pharma Ltd. said in a filing that it plans to introduce a semaglutide injection starting at $14 per month. ABy comparison, Novo’s Wegovy pen is priced at about $113 in India and nearly $199 in the U.S. under self-pay models.

Market data firm Pharmarack estimates that about 42 manufacturers could introduce more than 50 brands this year.

Bloomberg noted that analysts at Jefferies, led by James Vane-Tempest, described India as “an important case-study” for the future of the drug following loss of exclusivity. In a February 12 note, they estimated the current weight-loss market at about $500 million, with potential to reach $1 billion with wider adoption and pricing changes.

Demand is being driven by rising cases of diabetes and cardiovascular disease across India’s population of more than 1.4 billion. The country has one of the largest overweight populations globally, behind only the United States and China, the news outlet pointed out.

To compete, drugmakers are introducing multiple delivery formats, including single-use syringes, vials, and reusable pens with adjustable dosing. These are aimed at improving flexibility and reducing costs. Currently, Ozempic and Wegovy, along with Mounjaro by Eli Lilly & Co., are sold in India as pre-filled pens with multiple doses.

Partnerships are also emerging, Bloomberg said. Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. has announced licensing agreements with Lupin Ltd. and Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., while Eris Lifesciences Ltd. has partnered with Natco Pharma for marketing. Companies are also expected to expand into smaller cities where innovator drugs have limited reach.