New Delhi, March 20 Eris Lifesciences launched a generic version of Semaglutide under the brand name 'Sundae' in the country on Friday, capitalizing on the expiration of patents for molecules similar to Ozempic and Wegovy in India.
The company stated that it is introducing the diabetes and weight management medication in multi-dose vial formats at highly accessible prices, starting at Rs 1,290 per month for the 2 mg/1.5 ml and 4 mg/3 ml variants.
The launch significantly improves affordability, making effective GLP-1 therapy accessible to nearly 70 per cent of India's diabetes patient population, the drug firm said in a statement.
The company also plans to further enhance patient convenience and adoption with the introduction of a pen-device version in April, priced at Rs 4,000, Rs 4,200, and Rs 4,500 per month for the strengths of 2 mg/1.5 ml, 4 mg/3 ml, and 8 mg/3 ml, respectively.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has emerged as a transformative therapy for type 2 diabetes and weight management, driven by strong outcomes in glycemic control and weight reduction.
Domestic firms are launching their versions following the expiration of the semaglutide patent in the country.
Natco Pharma announced that it will introduce Semaglutide Injection (multi-dose vials) in the Indian market tomorrow, on the first day of the patent expiration.
Natco received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to manufacture and market generic Semaglutide in India in February this year, for multi-dose vials and pen devices.
The company plans to launch Semaglutide injection in the form of multi-dose vials of strengths of 2 mg/1.5 ml, 4 mg/3 ml, and 8 mg/3 ml under the brand names Semanat and Semafull.
Multi-dose vials will be launched at a price of Rs 1,290 per month for 2 mg/1.5 ml & 4 mg/3 ml, and Rs 1,750 for 8 mg/3 ml.
The pen device will be priced at Rs 4,000, Rs 4,200, and Rs 4,500 per month for the strengths of 2 mg/1.5 ml, 4 mg/3 ml, and 8 mg/3 ml, respectively.
The pen device is expected to be launched next month, Natco Pharma said.