New Delhi, March 21 Indian pharmaceutical companies Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy's, and Glenmark announced on Saturday the launch of their generic versions of semaglutide injection, used for diabetes and weight management, following the expiration of patents on products like Ozempic and Wegovy in India.
The prices of the generic versions of semaglutide injection are significantly lower than the prices of the innovator drug, Novo Nordisk.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries launched its semaglutide injection under the brand names Noveltreat and Sematrinity in India, in all strengths.
Noveltreat is indicated for chronic weight management in adults as an adjunct to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, and is available in five dose strengths: 0.25 mg/0.5 ml, 0.5 mg/0.5 ml, 1 mg/0.5 ml, 1.7 mg/0.75 ml, and 2.4 mg/0.75 ml, Sun Pharma stated.
Sematrinity is indicated for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise, and is available in two dose strengths: 2 mg/1.5 ml and 4 mg/3 ml, it added.
The weekly cost of treatment, from initiation to the highest dose, ranges from approximately Rs 900 to Rs 2,000 for Noveltreat and Rs 750 to Rs 1,300 for Sematrinity, making the therapy more affordable, Sun Pharma stated.
Kirti Ganorkar, Managing Director of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, said, "With the launch of Noveltreat and Sematrinity, our goal is to provide a high-quality, affordable therapy to a wider patient community in India. We are offering a comprehensive range, backed by our decades of expertise in manufacturing complex medicines."
Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd announced the launch of its injectable semaglutide under the brand name Obeda for the management of type 2 diabetes in India.
The Obeda injection is available in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths and comes in a pre-filled, disposable pen designed for subcutaneous, once-a-week administration.
Each pen of both strengths will deliver a minimum of four weekly doses. The cost to the patient will be Rs 4,200 per month for both strengths, Dr Reddy's Laboratories stated.
"Today's launch marks a significant step in our commitment to expand our portfolio in critical therapeutic areas with differentiated solutions to patients in India and across global markets," Erez Israeli, CEO of Dr Reddy's, said.
As part of the initial launch, Israeli stated, "We aim to introduce generic semaglutide in several countries, and through our 'One Product, One Quality' approach, we are committed to ensuring the same high-quality product across all markets."
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd also launched its generic version of semaglutide injection under the GLIPIQ brand for the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The expected weekly cost of treatment with GLIPIQ vials ranges from Rs 325 to Rs 440, the company stated, adding that it significantly lowers the cost barrier to "initiate therapy in India and establishing a more affordable entry point into this class of treatment".
In addition to vials, Glenmark stated that GLIPIQ is also available in a pre-filled pen format. Both presentations are available in strengths of 2 mg/1.5 ml, 4 mg/3 ml, and 8 mg/3 ml, it added.
"Affordability is one of the biggest barriers to initiating advanced diabetes therapy in India. With GLIPIQ, we are setting a new benchmark in affordability for GLP-1 therapy, with weekly treatment starting at Rs 325," Alok Malik, President and Business Head, India Formulations, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, said.
The vial-based format enables the company to offer a more affordable option while supporting clinically guided initiation and flexible dosing, he added.
Last year, in December, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk launched its blockbuster type-2 diabetes treatment injection Ozempic, globally popular for its weight-loss benefits in India, with costs ranging from Rs 2,200 per week to a monthly cost pegged at Rs 11,175 depending on the dose and stage of usage.
Similarly, in March 2025, Eli Lilly and Company (India) also launched its medication for obesity and type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro, in a single-dose vial presentation.
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd also announced the launch of its generic version of semaglutide injection under the brand names SEMAGLYNTM, MASHEMATM, and ALTERMET.
Zydus' semaglutide injection will be available in a 15mg/3ml cartridge and will be manufactured at Zydus Biotech Park, Ahmedabad. The average monthly cost of the treatment will be about Rs 2,200, the company stated.