Generics hit shelves today, cheapest weight-loss drug at Rs 1,290/month, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Generic versions of semaglutide, a weight-loss drug, launched in India on March 22, 2026, following the patent expiry of Novo Nordisk's drug.
• Natco Pharmaceuticals and Eris Lifesciences are offering the lowest dose at Rs 1,290 per month.
• Natco will launch 'Semanat' and 'Semafull', while Eris Lifesciences will launch 'Sandae'.
• 43 companies have regulatory approvals or generic versions in the pipeline.
• India's GLP-1 drugs market was approximately Rs 1,500 crore as of February 2026.

Detailed Insights:

• Semaglutide, initially for Type 2 diabetes, was found effective for obesity management and belongs to GLP-1 receptor agonists.
• Natco's vial offers customized dosing and cost management, while their pre-filled pens are up to 72% cheaper than the innovator's product.
• The entry of generics is expected to double the sales of GLP-1 units in the next three months due to improved affordability.
• Emcure Pharmaceuticals already distributes Poviztra, a semaglutide product, in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, priced lower than Wegovy.
• The market is currently dominated by Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Ozempic, but the entry of generics may shift patient onboarding towards semaglutide.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Semaglutide: An active pharmaceutical ingredient used for managing Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
• GLP-1 receptor agonists: A class of medicines that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
• Generics: Medications sold under a different brand name, containing the same active ingredients as the original drug after the patent expires.