Dr Reddy’s, Sun, Zydus ready semaglutide generics, weight loss drug's prices expected to halve in India

Novo Nordisk to treat type-2 diabetes, semaglutide, delivered in an injection, has gained global attention for its weight-loss benefits. The drug is sold under brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus (oral pill) by the Danish pharma giant.With patent protection expiring, companies including Dr.

Reddy’s Laboratories, Zydus Lifesciences, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, and Alkem Laboratories are preparing day-one launches of generic versions at significantly lower costs.Analysts estimate these generics could cost between ₹3,000–4,000 per month, less than half compared to Novo’s Ozempic, priced at ₹8,800 for the starting 0.25 mg dose. Even with initial adoption focused on higher-income segments, the potential market could reach over ₹5,000 crore, driven by India’s large and increasingly overweight population.The market, with sales of patented drugs already over ₹1,400 crore as of February 2026, is expected to grow 5x in the next five years, according to CareEdge Ratings.According to healthtech platform Pharmarack, more than 50 brands could enter the market post-patent expiry.The initial wave of launches is expected from five to six companies between March 2026 and Q1FY27, with broader rollouts likely in the second half of next financial year, a recent report by CareEdge Ratings stated, adding that aggressive price cuts by innovator companies could likely squeeze margins for generic players.“It is a large pie, and everyone wants a piece,” a top executive at a pharma company, who did not wish to be quoted, told Mint.Naturally, Indian drugmakers are moving quickly.