Rs 450 to Rs 4,200: Drugmakers rush in to win the business of losing weight India’s obesity drug market is experiencing rapid expansion as pharmaceutical companies compete to capture a growing segment of the healthcare industry. With rising obesity rates and diabetes prevalence, drugmakers are adjusting pricing strategies and launching generic alternatives to meet demand. Analysts predict the market could grow from approximately Rs 1,500 crore today to Rs 8,000 crore by 2030, driven by both brand-name and generic drugmakers entering the space. Novo Nordisk, a leading player in the weight-loss drug market, recently reduced the price of its Wegovy in India by up to 37%, pricing the lowest dose at Rs 10,850 per month. It also introduced Ozempic at Rs 8,800 per month for the 0.25 mg dose. These price cuts have made the drugs more accessible, but experts warn that the influx of generic options could lead to confusion among prescribers and potential misuse. Over 40 Indian pharmaceutical companies are expected to launch more than 50 brands within weeks, according to Reuters. This surge in competition is aimed at addressing the needs of a population projected to have over 440 million overweight or obese adults by 2050. India, the world’s most populous nation, already has the second-highest number of adults with diabetes after China, according to The Lancet and the International Diabetes Federation. The pricing of weight-loss drugs in India varies significantly, with some generics available for as low as Rs 450 per week. A table detailing the prices of major drugs shows: Alkem Labs offers an injection at Rs 450 weekly or Rs 1,800 monthly. Sun Pharma’s injection ranges from Rs 750–900 weekly. Dr. Reddy’s provides the highest monthly price at Rs 4,200 for its injection.#novonordisk #ozempic #wegovy #sun_pharma #alkem_labs
Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s, Zydus, Glenmark roll out generic Semaglutide Sun Pharmaceutical, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Zydus Life Sciences, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals launched generic versions of Semaglutide on March 21, 2026, following the expiration of the patent for the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s diabetes and weight loss drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic, in India. This marked the entry of several pharmaceutical companies into the market, with Natco Pharma and its partner Eris Lifesciences having already announced their product availability on March 20, the day before the patent expired. The move is expected to open up a $1 billion market for Semaglutide in India over the next few years, driven by the growing prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes. The companies are positioning their generic versions as cost-effective alternatives to the branded drugs, which are typically priced much higher. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories introduced its Semaglutide injection, branded as Obeda, in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths. The product is available in a pre-filled, disposable pen for once-a-week subcutaneous administration, with a monthly cost of ₹4,200 for both strengths. The company’s leadership team highlighted the product’s user-friendly design and its potential for approval for weight management in the near future. Sun Pharmaceutical launched its Semaglutide injections under the brand names Noveltreat and Sematrinity. Noveltreat, intended for chronic weight management, ranges from ₹900 to ₹2,000 per month, while Sematrinity, for type 2 diabetes, costs between ₹750 and ₹1,300. Zydus Life Sciences introduced Semaglutide under the brands Semaglyn, Mashema, and Alterme, with an average monthly cost of ₹2,200.#novartis #sun_pharma #dr_reddy_s_laboratories #zydus_life_sciences #glenmark_pharmaceuticals
