Could India finally get serious about shedding kilos — and at a fraction of the cost? That might soon be the case.
On Friday, the patent for semaglutide — the star molecule behind Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss hits Wegovy and Ozempic — expires in India.
This opens the floodgates for cheaper generics.
Analysts are calling it a “magic-pill moment.” Jefferies predicts the market could hit $1bn domestically if prices and uptake align.
Already, pharma giants like Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Biocon, Natco, Zydus, and Mankind Pharma are prepping their versions.
Around 50 branded generics are expected to hit shelves within months.
Monthly costs could tumble from 10,000–16,000 rupees ($108–$173) to just 3,000–5,000 rupees ($36–$54).
These drugs aren’t just for vanity. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, regulates appetite and blood sugar.
It makes patients feel full sooner and helps with diabetes and obesity-related conditions.
Affordable Weight-Loss Drugs
Bariatric surgeon Muffazal Lakdawala says, “It is great that these will become cheaper so more of the diabetic and obese Indian population can access them.”
But there’s a catch. Rapid weight loss isn’t risk-free, and misuse is already a concern.
Chest physician Bhaumik Kamdar warns, “More access to cheap drugs means a higher chance of abuse… stricter regulation is needed.”
Still, if India can balance affordability with oversight, millions could benefit.
As diabetologist Rahul Baxi jokes, “I’m actually writing on prescriptions: come to me after 20 March when the prices come down.”
Affordable weight loss — finally within reach? The scale may soon tip in India’s favor.
