Semaglutide in India: Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Glenmark Launch Drug As Novo Nordisk Patent Expires | Explained

Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy's, Glenmark Pharma and few other pharmaceutical companies launched generic version of popular weight loss drug, Semaglutide, on Saturday, March 21. Semaglutide launch in India came after the expiry of Novo Nordisk's patent today.

Whether it is Sun Pharma's Noveltreat or Sematrinity, Glenmark's GLIPIQ, or Natco Pharmaceuticals' 'Semanat', semaglutide, marketed under various brand names, is now set to flood pharmacy shelves across India. But what changed on Saturday, March 21, prompting a wave of launches by nearly all major Indian pharma companies? Here's a closer look.

Novo Nordisk Patent Expiry of Semaglutide

Semaglutide is Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's weight loss and Type 2 Diabetese management drug. The company's patent for Semaglutide expired on Saturday, March 21. When a pharmaceutical patent expires, other manufacturers are legally allowed to produce medicines that will contain active ingredient.

With this, more than 40 Indian pharmaceutical firms are expected to launch over 50 brands within weeks, as per a Reuters report. The cost is expected to drop significantly and increase the access to the medication.

Semaglutide Drug Launch in India: Sun Pharma vs Dr Reddy's vs Glenmark vs Zydus

Dr Reddy's has launched drug under brand name Obeda. It comes as an injection which is available in 2mg and 4mg strengths and comes in a pre-filled, disposable format. As per Dr Reddy's press release the drug will come with a once-a-week administration with a user-friendly pen advice.

Dr Reddy's Semaglutide Cost

Each pen of both strengths will deliver a minimum of 4 weekly doses. The cost of the drug to patients will be Rs 2,400 per month for both strengths.

Sun Pharma on, Saturday, launched semaglutide injections under brand names Noveltreat and Sematrinity in India. While Noveltreat will focus on weight management among people, Sematrinity drug will be used to treat and manage Type 2 diabetese. Both the brands will come under different magnitudes and intensity.

Sun Pharma Semaglutide Cost

As per the company press release the weekly therapy cost will range from around Rs 900 to Rs 2,000 for Noveltreat. Whereas, the cost will fall between Rs 750 and Rs 1,300 for Sematrinity.

Glenmark GLIPIQ Cost, Other Details

On the same day, Glenmark launched GLIPIQ for the management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).GLIPIQ is available in both vial and pre-filled pen formulations. The expected weekly cost of treatment with GLIPIQ vials range from Rs 325 to Rs 440.

Zydus Semaglutide Launch in India

Zydus Lifesciences launched Semaglutide Injection under the brand names - SEMAGLYN, MASHEMA, ALTERME . Zydus' Semaglutide injection will be available in 15mg/3ml cartridge and will be manufactured at Zydus Biotech Park, Ahmedabad. The average monthly cost of the treatment will be approximately Rs. 2,200