Several Indian pharmaceutical companies are getting ready to launch cost-effective versions of the popular weight-loss and diabetes drug, semaglutide, once its patent expires in 2026. Semaglutide is sold globally by Danish company Novo Nordisk under brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
This move could change the way people access these drugs, especially in countries like India, Brazil, and Canada, by bringing down prices and increasing availability.
In 2024 alone, Novo Nordisk earned over 25 billion dollars from these drugs. But with patents ending in more than 100 countries, Indian pharma companies see a big opportunity to enter the market with low-cost alternatives.
Indian companies join the race
Major Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Dr. Reddy’s, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Lupin, Biocon, Zydus Lifesciences, and Aurobindo Pharma, are already developing their own versions of semaglutide.
Bengaluru-based OneSource Specialty Pharma is investing 100 million dollars to increase its production capacity. The company expects to earn up to 400 million dollars in the next three years. “Semaglutide will play a big role in this growth,” said CEO Neeraj Sharma.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has been working on semaglutide for over 10 years and is preparing to launch generic versions of Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus globally. “We’re ready for a high-volume, low-cost market,” said MV Narasimham, CFO of the company.
Biocon, another major player, is also in the race. Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said the opportunity is “very huge” and added that Biocon already has a strong pipeline of similar drugs. The company has launched another diabetes drug, Liraglutide, in the UK.
Zydus Lifesciences is investing over 100 crore rupees to build a new factory for making semaglutide using its own cost-saving technology.
Divi’s Laboratories, which makes the main ingredient for semaglutide, is also seeing strong demand in its peptide business.
Legal and production challenges
However, making semaglutide is not easy. It’s a type of drug known as a GLP-1, which is made from peptides. These require special factories with clean and sterile conditions. The drug is often given as an injection using special pens, these pens are also in short supply.
In May 2025, Novo Nordisk sued Dr. Reddy’s in the Delhi High Court to stop them from selling or exporting their version of the drug. The company says it will defend its patent rights strongly.
While the drug costs up to 16,000 dollars a year in the US, Indian companies believe they can make it for as little as 500 rupees a month (under 6 dollars), which would make it much more affordable for people in India and other low-income countries.
Global market potential
Experts believe the global market for GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide could cross 100 billion dollars by 2030. With obesity and diabetes on the rise in many countries, cheaper generic versions could make a big difference.
Although the US and European markets still have a few years before patents end, India and several other countries will see generics by 2026. That means Indian drug makers could reach millions of patients sooner.
Novo Nordisk to launch wegovy early in India
To stay ahead of the growing competition, Novo Nordisk is now planning to launch Wegovy in India earlier than expected. It was initially set for a 2026 launch, but the company now wants to bring it sooner due to rising demand and the launch of Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug Mounjaro in India.
“As a healthcare company, we are committed to making treatments available and affordable,” Novo Nordisk told Moneycontrol in a statement. “India has a growing need for effective obesity treatments.”
Current GLP-1 drugs available in India
Here’s a look at what’s already available in India:
- Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
- Weekly injection for type 2 diabetes
- Price: 3,500 rupees (2.5 mg), 4,375 rupees (5 mg)
- Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus (Semaglutide)
- Daily oral tablet
- Price: 12,000 rupees –13,000 rupees per month
Wegovy, once launched, will be a weekly injection that helps people lose weight by reducing appetite and slowing digestion. It helps users feel full for longer periods, which can lead to weight loss.
However, studies show that many people may regain weight after stopping these drugs, so long-term use and lifestyle changes are important.
As India’s pharma industry ramps up its efforts, the next two years will be crucial. If successful, Indian drugmakers could make a major global impact by offering affordable weight-loss and diabetes treatments to millions around the world.
