India prepares for affordable weight-loss drug release
Indian pharma companies are gearing up to release budget-friendly versions of semaglutide, a popular medication for weight loss and diabetes, as its patent ends in 2026.
This move could make the drug much more accessible in India and other countries where high prices have kept it out of reach for many.
US vs India prices
Right now, semaglutide can cost up to $16,000 per year in the US.
Indian manufacturers plan to offer it for just ₹500 (less than $6) a month—a huge difference that could open doors for millions who need it but couldn't afford it before.
How it works?
Making semaglutide isn't easy, but Indian companies are using the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to ramp up manufacturing locally and cut down on imports.
Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk—the original maker—is taking legal action against Dr. Reddy's Laboratories over patent rights as competition heats up.