India’s rapidly growing market for weight-loss and diabetes drugs has received a major boost with the launch of generic versions of semaglutide, a blockbuster drug originally developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. The generics became available immediately after the drug’s patent expired on Friday.
Semaglutide, which Novo Nordisk introduced in India in June 2025, was initially developed for the management of Type 2 diabetes. However, researchers later discovered its significant effectiveness in controlling obesity. The drug belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
With the entry of multiple generic manufacturers, prices have dropped dramatically—between 70% and 90% lower than the innovator brand—making the therapy more accessible to Indian patients.
Glenmark Launches GLIPIQ®
Among the first companies to introduce a generic version is Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which has launched GLIPIQ® (semaglutide) for the management of Type 2 diabetes in India.
As reported by The Indian Express, the medication is available in both vial and pre-filled pen formulations, offering flexibility for patients and clinicians. The weekly cost of treatment ranges from ₹325 to ₹440, translating to a monthly cost of ₹1,300 to ₹1,760.
GLIPIQ® is available in strengths of 2 mg/1.5 mL, 4 mg/3 mL, and 8 mg/3 mL. According to the company, the vial-based format allows greater affordability while maintaining dosing flexibility for patients starting GLP-1 therapy.
Natco and Eris Introduce Affordable Options
Natco Pharmaceuticals and Eris Lifesciences have also entered the semaglutide market with competitively priced products. Natco will launch Semanat and Semafull, available in 2 mg, 4 mg, and 8 mg doses.
The multi-dose vials will cost ₹1,290 per month for the lowest dose and ₹1,750 for the highest dose. Additionally, the company plans to introduce easy-to-use injection pens next month, priced at ₹4,000, ₹4,200, and ₹4,500 depending on the dosage.
Meanwhile, Eris Lifesciences, which recently partnered with Natco to commercialize semaglutide in India, will launch its brand Sundae at similar price points.
Zydus Introduces Multi-Dose Pen Technology
Zydus Lifesciences has also launched its generic semaglutide injection at an average monthly cost of approximately ₹2,200. The drug will be marketed under the brands Semaglyn, Mashema, and Alterme.
Unlike many existing pens that deliver only fixed doses, Zydus offers a reusable multi-dose pen device (15 mg/3 mL cartridge) that allows dose titration. This design provides greater flexibility for physicians adjusting treatment according to patient needs.
Sun Pharma Expands Treatment Options
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has introduced semaglutide under two brands: Noveltreat and Sematrinity.
- Noveltreat is indicated for chronic weight management in adults alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is available in five dose strengths, ranging from 0.25 mg to 2.4 mg.
- Sematrinity is designed for adults with Type 2 diabetes whose blood sugar levels remain insufficiently controlled despite diet and exercise.
The weekly treatment cost ranges from ₹900 to ₹2,000 for Noveltreat and ₹750 to ₹1,300 for Sematrinity, significantly lower than the innovator drug.
Dr Reddy’s Launches Obeda®
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, the first Indian company to receive DCGI approval for generic semaglutide, has launched the drug under the brand name Obeda®.
The medication is available in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths and comes in a pre-filled disposable pen designed for once-weekly subcutaneous administration. Each pen delivers at least four weekly doses, with a monthly cost of ₹4,200.
The company states that Obeda® offers efficacy and safety comparable to the innovator drug, including similar reductions in blood glucose levels.
Price Comparison with the Innovator Drug
The entry of generics has sharply reduced treatment costs compared to Novo Nordisk’s original products.
- Ozempic (for Type 2 diabetes) costs approximately ₹8,800 to ₹11,175 per month.
- Wegovy (for weight loss) ranges from ₹10,850 to ₹16,400 per month.
In contrast, generic versions now cost as low as ₹1,300 per month, dramatically improving affordability for Indian patients.
Increasing Competition in the Market
Industry estimates suggest that around 43 pharmaceutical companies have either secured regulatory approval or are developing generic versions of semaglutide. Many of these products are expected to enter the market over the coming months.
Although analysts initially predicted an aggressive price war, most generic products are expected to fall within a relatively narrow price band, while still remaining substantially cheaper than the innovator drugs.
For example, Natco’s vial-based formulations are nearly 90% cheaper, while pre-filled pens may cost up to 72% less than the original brand.
Patient Support Programs to Drive Adoption
Several companies are also introducing patient support initiatives to improve treatment adherence.
Sun Pharma, for instance, is launching a comprehensive patient guidance programme to help individuals manage their treatment journey. The company’s Noveltreat pre-filled pen uses a concealed needle, which helps reduce injection anxiety while improving dosing accuracy and safety.
Similarly, Glenmark has introduced the ‘Sankalp’ programme, which aims to support therapy initiation, enhance patient comfort with injectable treatments, and encourage long-term adherence.
Expanding the GLP-1 Drug Market
Currently, India’s GLP-1 drugs market is valued at approximately ₹1,500 crore. About 85% of the market is dominated by Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide), while the remaining share belongs to Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic.
However, analysts expect the market to expand rapidly following the introduction of lower-cost generics.
According to Sheetal Sapale, Vice President (Commercial) at Pharmarack, monthly sales of GLP-1 drugs currently stand at around 1.2 lakh units. She predicts that sales could double within three months due to improved affordability.
Because obesity is a chronic condition requiring long-term treatment, the lower prices are also expected to encourage more patients to start therapy, particularly with semaglutide-based medications.