India’s market for diabetes and weight-loss drugs is set for a shake-up as Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk’s (NOVOb.CO) patent on semaglutide expires this week, triggering a wave of cheaper generics from local drugmakers and worries about uneven oversight in an overcrowded market.
More than 40 Indian firms are expected to launch over 50 brands within weeks, analysts and doctors said, widening access in a price-sensitive market, but also raising concerns about misuse and confusion among prescribers as costs fall sharply.
Sun Pharma (SUN.NS) Mankind Pharma (MNKI.NS), Dr. Reddy’s (REDY.NS), Zydus (ZYDU.NS), Lupin (LUPN.NS), and Alkem (ALKE.NS), opens new tab are among the companies expected to launch generic versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo’s diabetes drug Ozempic and weight-loss treatment Wegovy.
“With high demand, falling prices and multiple brands, you may see direct pharmacy purchases, distributor-level leakages, or cosmetic or lifestyle use especially in urban markets,” said Salil Kallianpur, an independent analyst.
“This could lead to misuse, poor titration and unmanaged side effects and eventually regulatory tightening.”