The patent for semaglutide, the compound behind drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic, developed by Novo Nordisk, is set to expire in India on Friday, potentially opening the door to cheaper generic versions, the BBC reported.
The change is expected to allow domestic pharmaceutical companies to produce lower-cost alternatives, increasing competition and driving prices down. Analysts say dozens of branded generics could enter the market within months, reflecting India’s highly competitive generics industry. Investment bank Jefferies has described the development as a potential turning point, estimating the Indian semaglutide market could reach $1 billion with wider adoption, even as the country strictly prohibits advertising weight-loss drugs.
Several major Indian drugmakers, including Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Biocon, Natco Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences and Mankind Pharma, are preparing to launch generic versions. Current monthly treatment costs of about $95 to $173 could fall to around $36 to $54.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally developed for diabetes, is now widely used for weight loss by regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. Demand for such treatments has grown rapidly in India, where rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity are increasing due to lifestyle and dietary factors.
India’s pharmaceutical sector, valued at about $60 billion and expected to double by 2030, is heavily focused on generics. The country accounts for around 20% of global generic drug production and exports medicines to more than 200 countries.
Meanwhile, concerns about drug quality have been raised in the past. In 2025, the World Health Organization warned about contaminated cough syrups produced in India following several deadly incidents.
