Weight-loss drugs: A game changer for India’s top pharma companies
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Over 650 million adults globally suffer from obesity, and this number is only expected to rise. Simultaneously, the market for weight-loss drugs is experiencing a revolutionary shift, driven by advances in treatments like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound—three drugs that are showing remarkable results in combating obesity.
What makes these drugs so special? They belong to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes but have now become the cornerstone in obesity management. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs mimic the action of a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. These drugs are primarily used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but their effectiveness in weight loss has opened new doors for treating obesity.
By slowing down digestion, GLP-1 drugs help people feel fuller for longer, making it easier to reduce calorie intake. The result? A significant reduction in body weight, which is what makes these drugs so appealing. The market for GLP-1 drugs is booming, and analysts predict it could exceed $100 billion by 2030.
As the demand for these drugs soars, pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have seen massive profits, with Novo’s GLP-1 sales raking in over $6 billion in 2023 alone. Despite the success, both companies have struggled to meet the overwhelming demand, leading to widespread shortages of their products. This has paved the way for other players to enter the market, including Indian pharma companies, who are eager to grab a slice of the lucrative pie.
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