Revenue Windfall Expected As Dr Reddy’s Lab Gears Up To Launch Generic Obesity Drug

India-West News Desk

HYDERABAD — Dr Reddy’s Laboratories is gearing up to enter the booming global obesity drug market with a more affordable generic version of Novo Nordisk’s leading weight-loss medication, Wegovy.

The company plans to launch the drug in 87 countries next year, focusing initially on emerging markets like India, Canada, Brazil, and Turkey, following the expected expiration of semaglutide patents—the active ingredient in diabetes meds like Ozempic.

The obesity drug sector is projected to surge to around $150 billion in sales by the early 2030s, fueled by extraordinary demand for medicines developed by Denmark-based Novo Nordisk and U.S. rival Eli Lilly, Reuters reported.

The company anticipates the drug will generate hundreds of millions in revenue once available in these regions, Reuters said.

Semaglutide’s patent protection is set to expire in multiple countries next year, including India in March. However, patent disputes have already begun—Novo Nordisk filed a lawsuit against Dr Reddy’s in May, accusing the company of patent infringement, according to Reuters.

Indian pharmaceutical firms such as Cipla, Lupin, Biocon, and Sun Pharma are also preparing to release their own generic versions of GLP-1 receptor agonists—the drug class that includes semaglutide.

These drugs function by regulating blood sugar levels and slowing digestion, which helps patients feel fuller longer and supports weight loss.