Post by : Shakul

The global market for obesity medicines could see a major shift as the patent for semaglutide — the key ingredient used in popular drugs Ozempic and Wegovy — is set to expire in India later this month.

The medicine, originally developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, has become one of the most widely discussed treatments for obesity and type-2 diabetes worldwide.

With the patent protection ending on March 20 in India, several pharmaceutical companies including Mankind Pharma, Ajanta Pharma, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and Lupin Limited are preparing to introduce generic versions of the drug.

These generic versions are expected to cost significantly less than the branded therapies currently sold by Novo Nordisk, potentially reducing treatment prices by around 40% to 50%.

Healthcare providers and clinics are already preparing for increased demand for obesity treatment as cheaper medicines become available. Hospitals and digital health platforms are expanding services related to weight management, diet counselling and long-term monitoring for patients using these drugs.

According to estimates from CareEdge Ratings, the market for GLP-1 based obesity medicines in India could grow rapidly over the next decade as more patients seek treatment for weight-related health conditions.

The demand is also driven by rising metabolic disorders such as diabetes, thyroid disease and fatty liver, which are increasingly linked to sedentary lifestyles and high-calorie diets.

Globally, the adoption of obesity drugs has followed different models. In the United States, telehealth platforms have helped drive demand for these medicines, while in China online pharmacies and digital healthcare services have played a key role in distribution.

Experts say India could become an important test market for the impact of generic competition on anti-obesity drugs, potentially influencing global pricing trends if cheaper versions gain widespread adoption.

The expansion of these medicines may also encourage healthcare providers to develop integrated obesity treatment programmes combining medication, diagnostics and lifestyle management.

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