Indian clinics and hospitals are preparing for a surge in obesity patients as generic versions of Novo Nordisk's blockbuster weight-loss drug Ozempic are set to launch at half the price. The Danish drugmaker's patent on semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, expires in India on March 20.
At least five Indian drugmakers are gearing up to sell generic versions of the drug, prompting hospitals and clinics to expand obesity-focused services. The generic versions are expected to be at least 50% cheaper than Novo Nordisk's therapy, priced at around ₹5,000 for a weekly dose.
India's large disease burden and entrenched pharmaceutical industry make it a test case for how much the prices of anti-obesity drugs can plummet. Metabolic disorders such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and fatty liver have surged among India's 1.4-billion-plus population, largely due to sedentary urban lifestyles and high-calorie diets.
India's drug regulator has banned advertising and promotional activity related to weight-loss programs, aiming to curb aggressive commercial practices as demand booms. Obesity clinics are launching or expanding services, and diagnostic chains are rolling out discounted weight check-up packages.
The potential GLP-1 market size in India is expected to expand nearly five-fold from ₹1,000 crore last year to ₹5,000 crore by 2030, according to CareEdge Ratings. Ozempic prices could decline by 40% to 50% after the patent expires and then some more next year, as more drugmakers enter the segment.
