Indian drugmakers Sun Pharmaceutical, Zydus Lifesciences, and Alkem Laboratories have received approval from the national regulator to manufacture and sell generic versions of Danish Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, Reuters reports.
The patent on semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, expires in March of this year, opening the door for Indian companies to enter the weight-loss market with cheaper versions of these pharmaceutical blockbusters. Specifically, Sun Pharma, India’s largest drugmaker by revenue, announced it will launch semaglutide generics under the brand names Noveltreat for obesity and Sematrinity for diabetes.
Novo Nordisk, along with its main competitor, U.S.-based Eli Lilly with its Mounjaro (tirzepatide), entered the market of the world’s most populous country last year and quite successfully, the publication notes.
The global weight-loss drug market is projected to reach $150 billion by the end of the decade. “Generic makers will offer lower prices and expand their audience through aggressive marketing strategies,” said Systematix Institutional Equities analyst Vishal Manchanda, adding that at least 12 more companies are awaiting approval for their copies.
Last week, another Indian drugmaker, Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy’s Laboratories with a global presence, also received approval to sell a generic version of semaglutide.