Indian Drugmakers Launch Low-Cost Versions Of Ozempic, Wegovy

Several Indian generic drugmakers rolled out cheaper versions of Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug Ozempic and weight-loss drug Wegovy over the weekend. The launches follow the expiry of the semaglutide patent in India last week.

The new versions are priced significantly lower. Treatment costs have dropped by about 70%, according to industry estimates. The pricing is among the lowest globally for semaglutide-based therapies.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. With patent protection no longer in place, multiple companies moved quickly to introduce competing brands.

Rush To Capture Market Share

Analysts expect a sharp increase in competition in the coming weeks. More than 40 Indian drugmakers are likely to launch over 50 versions of semaglutide.

The weekend launches mark the first wave. Companies are moving fast to secure early market share in what is seen as a high-growth segment. The speed of launches reflects the scale of the opportunity. Demand for weight-loss and diabetes drugs has surged globally in recent years.

Global Opportunity Drives Strategy

Indian drugmakers are not limiting plans to the domestic market. Several large firms are preparing to take these products overseas. Key target regions include:

• Canada

• Brazil

• Latin America

• Turkey

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Companies are positioning themselves to tap into the rising demand for obesity treatments. The global obesity drug market is projected to reach about $100 billion by the end of the decade, according to industry estimates.

Sources:

The Economic Times

Reuters