India is set to revolutionise the global weight-loss drug market by pioneering the production of generic semaglutide following the patent expiry of popular Danish medications, Wegovy and Ozempic. This development is expected to trigger intense market competition within the country, potentially slashing the cost of these highly sought-after treatments by more than half. According to reports from the BBC, this shift will drastically expand access to the medication for the Indian population and eventually for patients in other nations worldwide.
Investment bank Jefferies has described this transition as a “magic pill moment” for India, predicting that the domestic semaglutide market could reach a valuation of US$1 billion (RM3.91 billion) if pricing and adoption rates align. Analysts anticipate that approximately 50 generic brands will enter the market within a matter of months, mirroring previous competitive patterns seen in the Indian pharmaceutical industry. For instance, when the patent for the diabetes drug sitagliptin expired in 2022, nearly 30 branded versions appeared within a month, growing to almost 100 versions within a single year.
The Indian pharmaceutical sector, currently valued at approximately US$60 billion (RM234.6 billion), is projected to double in size by 2030, with its strength largely built on the production of high-quality generic medicines. This manufacturing prowess is now the foundation for the upcoming battle over the semaglutide market. What was once an expensive injectable treatment reserved for affluent patients is poised to become a much more affordable option for the general public.
Originally developed to manage diabetes, these drugs have become a game-changer in weight management by delivering results that previous treatments could not match. By increasing insulin release and slowing the stomach-emptying process, the medication allows users to feel full faster and for longer durations. Several major Indian drug manufacturers, including Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Biocon, Natco, Zydus, and Mankind Pharma, are already preparing their respective generic products for launch.
Sheetal Sapale, Vice President of research firm Pharmarack, noted that the current monthly cost of treatment remains prohibitively high for many, with Ozempic retailing between 8,800 and 11,000 rupees (RM372–RM465). Meanwhile, Wegovy can cost between 10,000 and 16,000 rupees (RM423–RM676) per month. Sapale expects that generic competition will drive these prices down to between 3,000 and 5,000 rupees (RM126–RM211) per month, a reduction that is believed to have the potential to completely transform the global healthcare landscape.
