Published Mar 21, 2026 | 7:08 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 21, 2026 | 7:08 PM
The price drop could make a difference for many patients in India, which has one of the world’s largest diabetes burdens.
Generic versions of Semaglutide — the drug used in Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy — have begun rolling out in India after the patent on it expired on Saturday, 21 March, with major pharmaceuticals, including Sun Pharma and Zydus Life Sciences, announcing the new prices far lower than the original brands.
Among the first companies to enter the market are Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Zydus Life Sciences and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals. They announced their generic Semaglutide products soon after the patent had expired.
Sun Pharma launched two brands — Noveltreat, indicated for chronic weight management, and Sematrinity, meant for treating type 2 diabetes. Dr Reddy’s introduced its Semaglutide injection Obeda, available in pre-filled pens designed for once-weekly administration.
Zydus Life Sciences has launched three brands — Semaglyn, Mashema and Alterme — after receiving regulatory approval for the treatment of diabetes and obesity.
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has introduced Glipiq, another Semaglutide injection aimed at the diabetes market.
Earlier, Natco Pharma and its marketing partner Eris Lifesciences had also announced their generic versions, timed to be available from the first day after the expiry of the patent.
One of the biggest changes with generics is the price. Earlier, branded medicines such as Ozempic were priced between roughly ₹8,800 and ₹11,000 per month in India, while higher-dose obesity treatments like Wegovy cost even more.
Initial generic prices suggest a sharp drop.
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has priced Obeda at about ₹4,200 per month, with the drug available in 2 mg and 4 mg dosages delivered through a pre-filled injection pen.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries said weekly therapy costs for its brands could range roughly between ₹750 and ₹2,000, depending on the dose and indication.
Zydus Life Sciences estimates an average monthly treatment cost of around ₹2,200 for its Semaglutide injection.
Meanwhile, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals said the expected weekly cost of treatment with Glipiq could range between ₹325 and ₹440.
The price drop could make a difference for many patients in India, which has one of the world’s largest diabetes burdens. Studies estimate that more than 100 million people in India live with diabetes, with millions more considered pre-diabetic.
Until now, high costs have limited the use of medicines such as Semaglutide, which often need to be taken for months or longer to manage blood sugar levels and support weight loss.
Industry estimates suggest that more than 40 Indian pharmaceutical companies are preparing over 50 generic versions of Semaglutide, which could bring prices down by around 50–60 percent compared with current branded medicines.
Even as the market opens up, experts pointed out that not all medicines in this class are affected by the current patent expiry.
For instance, Tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro by Eli Lilly and Company, is a different molecule and is not part of the Semaglutide patent expiry story.
Doctors also emphasised that even though prices may fall, Semaglutide remains a prescription medicine that should only be used under medical supervision, with regular monitoring for side effects and proper dose adjustments.
The new prices are as follows:
• Dr Reddy’s Laboratories – Obeda: ₹4,200 per month
• Sun Pharma – Noveltreat (weight management): ₹900–₹2,000 per week
• Sun Pharma – Sematrinity (type 2 diabetes): ₹750–₹1,300 per week
• Zydus Life Sciences – Semaglyn / Mashema / Alterme: ~₹2,200 per month
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals – Glipiq: ₹325–₹440 per week.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
