Zydus to launch semaglutide injection on patent expiry day with reusable pen device

More Indian pharmaceutical companies are expected to launch generic versions after the patent expires, with the resulting competition likely to push prices down from branded versions that cost thousands of rupees per month.

Published Feb 27, 2026 | 9:38 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 27, 2026 | 11:06 AM

Groups such as Buddhists and Jains showed lower prevalence rates at 31.6 percent and 43.1 percent for men and women, respectively.

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and reduces appetite.

Synopsis: Zydus Lifesciences plans to launch a generic semaglutide injection in India on the day the patent for the drug expires. The company has received regulatory approval to market the drug for Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It will come in a single reusable, adjustable pen that delivers all approved dose strengths.

Zydus Lifesciences plans to launch a generic semaglutide injection, a GLP-1 weight loss drug, in India on the day the patent for the drug expires. Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk holds the patent and markets it under the brand name Wegovy.

Unlike existing GLP-1 treatments, which require patients to buy multiple single-dose pens as their dosage increases, Zydus’ device is an adjustable pen that delivers all approved dose strengths for Type 2 diabetes and obesity from a single reusable unit.

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and reduces appetite. They gained global attention for weight loss effects beyond their original diabetes use.

“We are not just planning to bring a critical therapy to market, we are aiming to elevate the standard of care,” said Dr Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, in a statement.

Also Read: Who should use GLP-1 drugs? Doctors explain when weight-loss injections are truly needed

The Drug Controller General of India has approved the company’s semaglutide injection to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Zydus will market the drug under three brand names: Semaglyn, Mashema and Alterme. The company holds exclusive rights to the device in India.

More Indian pharmaceutical companies are expected to launch generic versions after the patent expires, with the resulting competition likely to push prices down from branded versions that cost thousands of rupees per month.

India has 8.9 crore adults with diabetes, or 10.5 percent of the adult population, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

Obesity rates have risen sharply. Among women, prevalence climbed 91 percent from 12.6 percent to 24 percent. Among men, it rose 146 percent from 9.3 percent to 22.9 percent, UNICEF India data show.