Mumbai: Indian pharmaceutical companies have begun rolling out low cost versions of popular weight loss and diabetes medicines, opening the door for wider access to treatment as prices fall sharply.
The medicines are copies of semaglutide, the key ingredient used in well known drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy developed by Novo Nordisk. These drugs have gained global attention for their effectiveness in controlling blood sugar and supporting weight loss.
The change comes after the patent on semaglutide expired in India earlier this month. This has allowed several Indian drugmakers to introduce their own versions at much lower prices.
At least six companies have already launched the medicines, and many more are expected to follow. Industry estimates suggest that over 40 companies could release dozens of versions in the coming months, increasing competition in the fast growing market.
Prices have dropped significantly compared to the original brands. Monthly treatment that once cost more than 100 dollars can now be available for as little as 8 to 45 dollars in India. This sharp fall is expected to make the treatment affordable for a much larger number of patients.
India has a large population living with diabetes and obesity, and experts say demand for these medicines could rise quickly. The lower prices may help patients who were previously unable to afford such treatments.
The impact is not limited to India. Several companies are planning to export these cheaper medicines to regions such as Latin America and parts of Asia. This could widen access globally, especially in middle and low income countries.
However, the situation is different in markets like the United States, where patent protections remain in place for several more years. As a result, high prices are expected to continue there until at least the early 2030s.
Analysts say this has created a split global market, with affordable generics in some countries and expensive branded drugs in others.
While the development is seen as a major step forward for access to treatment, experts have also raised concerns. These include the need to ensure quality and safety across multiple manufacturers, and the risk of misuse for cosmetic weight loss without medical supervision.
The growing popularity of these medicines is also attracting new business opportunities, with companies exploring partnerships in areas such as nutrition and lifestyle support.
Overall, the entry of low cost alternatives marks a major shift in the pharmaceutical industry, as competition increases and life changing treatments become more widely available.