India launches cheap weight-loss drugs as Novo Nordisk seeks to keep lead

Generic versions of Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 drug semaglutide launched in India after the company's patent expired, with domestic manufacturers offering prices up to 80% lower; Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy's were among the early entrants.

Generic versions of Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 weight-loss drug semaglutide launched in India after the Danish company's patent expired on Friday. At least five domestic manufacturers introduced lower-priced versions over the weekend. India is a major market for diabetes and obesity treatments, with about 100 million people living with diabetes and nearly a quarter of the population classified as obese. The country's large generic drug industry supplies roughly 20% of global off‑patent medicines and has prepared to make these products available. Key facts: - Patent expiry: Novo Nordisk's patent on the GLP-1 drug expired on Friday. - Price competition: At least five domestic drugmakers launched generics priced up to 80% below Novo Nordisk's listed retail price. - Sun Pharma launch: Sun Pharmaceutical offered a generic semaglutide for about 750 rupees per weekly injection, roughly 3,400 rupees per month, versus Novo Nordisk's retail range of 8,800–10,000 rupees. - Dr. Reddy's launch and exports: Dr. Reddy's has launched a semaglutide for diabetes at about 4,200 rupees per month and plans to expand sales to Canada, Turkey and Brazil. - Scale and expectations: Industry sources expect more than 50 brands to enter in the coming months, and Dr. Reddy's has a reported target of 12 million semaglutide pens in the first year across markets. Summary: The initial launches have already produced substantially lower listed prices in India and signal increased competition in the market. Manufacturers have announced export plans and sales targets, and more than 50 brands are expected to appear in coming months. Novo Nordisk is reported to be working to maintain its market position after the patent expiry. Undetermined at this time.