NEW DELHI: The country's anti-obesity market is headed for a pricing shake-up, with a clutch of pharma companies readying plans to launch affordable versions of the blockbuster weight-loss medicines Wegovy and Ozempic. This follows the expiry of the patent of semaglutide, the key ingredient in these injectable medications, on March 20, clearing the entry of over six-to-seven players, including Sun Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Dr Reddy's and Natco Pharma, on Day 1 (March 21) itself.
More companies are expected to enter the race over next few months, setting the stage for lowering of prices in a segment, that has so far been dominated by expensive innovator brands.
Analysts expect the nearly Rs 1400 crore weight-loss market to double in a year. Overall, the antidiabetic therapy market grew over 15% in Jan, led by the rapid uptake of innovative therapies, including Eli Lilly's Mounjaro at Rs 112 crore sales, the latest data from research firm, Pharmarack said.
"Lower-priced generics are expected to sharply widen access, with the market expected to grow 10-fold over next few years as competition intensifies,'' they told TOI.
Pricing details are not available but analysts expect generic version of semaglutide will be priced roughly 50% cheaper - around Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,000 per month (for the start dose), translating into substantial gains for patients.
Blockbuster therapies - Wegovy and Mounjaro, marketed by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly respectively, were launched at "India-specific prices" last year, while the global bestseller Ozempic made its India debut in Dec. In Nov last year, Novo Nordisk slashed the Wegovy price by 37%, bringing down the starting dose price to Rs 10,000 per month for the lowest strength.
Several firms with a significant chronic play in the market could be frontrunners in the race. Sun Pharma's MD Kirti Ganorkar told TOI: "As India's largest pharmaceutical company with leadership in cardiometabolic therapies, we are committed to improving access to generic semaglutide across the country after the patent expiry. Sun Pharma plans to be in the market on day-one of the generic launch. We are well positioned across both indications, chronic weight management and type 2 diabetes. Our brands will be available in an easy-to-use prefilled pen format, and we will ensure sufficient supply to meet the demand in India."
Meanwhile, a few companies including Cipla and Eris have entered into marketing tie-ups with MNCs and domestic companies. Companies are also investing into aggressive field force expansion ahead of the launch.
Neeraj Sharma, CEO and MD of OneSource Specialty Pharma, a contract development and manufacturing organisation, said: "We believe the entry of generic semaglutide will unlock significant latent demand, providing a strong boost to an already expanding market. With our diversified customer base and portfolio of 11 device platforms, we are well positioned to support this next phase of market expansion.''
A business journalist with around two decades of experience track...
Read MoreA business journalist with around two decades of experience tracking key consumer-focussed sectors like consumer durables, retail, consumer goods, aviation, automobiles and advertising, as well as economic ministries of the Union government. Now, writes primarily on pharmaceuticals and healthcare, and on issues of consumer interest. Besides also looks at trends that are shaping consumer behaviour and the broad consumer landscape. \nYou can follow Rupali on Twitter@Rupalijee.
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