Semaglutide patent expiry shakes markets
The patent for semaglutide expired in India this month and more than 50 branded generics are set to enter, a shift that will lower prices and reshape competitive dynamics in diabetes and obesity treatments reported. The market reaction is already visible — incumbent pricing power and volume mixes will get tested fast.
Novo Nordisk’s Indian patent registered as IN 262697 (IN’697) is set to expire on March 20, 2026 (jpassociates.co.in). The Delhi High Court refused an interim injunction on December 2, 2025, permitting Dr. Reddy’s to manufacture semaglutide for export while barring domestic sales until IN’697’s expiry (lawstreet.co). Named domestic players lining up launches include Dr. Reddy’s, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Ajanta Pharma, Mankind Pharma and Alkem, and strategic commercial tie‑ups such as Eris Lifesciences partnering with Natco Pharma were announced on Feb 24, 2026 (medboundtimes.com). Industry pricing forecasts put generic launch prices roughly 30–60% below branded semaglutide equivalents (meddatax.com), with one estimate cutting starter‑dose cost from about Rs 10,000 to near Rs 3,500–4,000 per month. (medindia.net) Regulatory and legal positioning is already enabling scale: three firms have reported SEC clearances for semaglutide formulations and multiple companies have active filings for oral versions, creating pathways for immediate manufacturing and export volumes (theindianpractitioner.com). India’s anti‑obesity market is estimated at roughly Rs 1,400 crore, and several industry observers expect that expanded access after the March 20, 2026 expiry will materially increase addressable demand. (medindia.net)
