Patent Expiry Fuels Competition
The landscape of anti-obesity treatments in India is poised for a major overhaul following the expiration of the patent for semaglutide, the crucial active
ingredient in well-known injectable medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic. This patent expiry on March 20th has paved the way for numerous pharmaceutical companies to introduce their own cost-effective versions of these highly sought-after drugs. As of March 21st, more than six to seven players, including prominent names like Sun Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Dr Reddy's, and Natco Pharma, are set to enter the market immediately. It is anticipated that additional companies will join this burgeoning segment in the coming months. This influx of new manufacturers is expected to drive down prices significantly in a market previously dominated by expensive originator brands, marking a new era for weight-loss medication accessibility in the country.
Market Expansion and Pricing Shifts
Industry analysts project a substantial expansion for the nearly Rs 1400 crore weight-loss market, with expectations that it could double within a year. This growth is largely attributed to the anticipated surge in demand fueled by lower-priced generic options. The broader antidiabetic therapy market has already seen robust growth, exceeding 15% in January, with innovative treatments like Eli Lilly's Mounjaro contributing Rs 112 crore in sales, according to Pharmarack data. Experts believe that the introduction of more affordable generic semaglutide will dramatically broaden access, potentially leading to a tenfold increase in market size over the next few years as competition intensifies. While precise pricing for the generic versions is yet to be disclosed, projections suggest that a monthly dosage for the starting dose could range from approximately Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000, representing a considerable cost saving for patients compared to current offerings. This price reduction is a key driver for the expected market boom.
Company Strategies and Market Readiness
Leading pharmaceutical firms are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on the imminent generic launch of semaglutide. Sun Pharma, India's largest pharmaceutical company with a strong presence in cardiometabolic therapies, has declared its commitment to enhancing access to generic semaglutide post-patent expiry. The company plans to launch its product on the first day of generic availability, leveraging its established position in both chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes segments. Sun Pharma intends to offer its brands in an easy-to-use prefilled pen format, ensuring adequate supply to meet the anticipated nationwide demand. Furthermore, some companies, including Cipla and Eris, are exploring strategic marketing collaborations with multinational and domestic entities. The competitive drive is also evident in the investment in expanding sales forces ahead of the launch. Contract development and manufacturing organizations, like OneSource Specialty Pharma, are also gearing up to support this market expansion, anticipating that the entry of generic semaglutide will unlock significant untapped demand and provide a substantial boost to an already growing sector.
