The patent on Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, the active ingredient in its blockbuster weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, expired in India on March 20, 2026, opening the door for the production of cheaper generic versions. Analysts predict a significant price reduction, potentially as much as 90 percent, in the Indian market.
India’s pharmaceutical industry is preparing to rapidly introduce generic semaglutide following the patent expiry. Namit Joshi, chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), stated the industry is “fully prepared and geared up,” anticipating a “bombardment” of the product as soon as the patent lapsed. This surge in availability is expected to reshape the market for weight-loss drugs in India, currently the world’s diabetes capital and a rapidly growing market for anti-obesity treatments.
The potential for lower costs extends beyond India. Analysts suggest that India could become a key, low-cost supplier of semaglutide globally, mirroring its role in making HIV drugs more accessible decades ago. Jefferies investment bank projects the semaglutide market in India could reach $1 billion.
Novo Nordisk acknowledged the patent expiration and the potential impact of generics. Vikrant Shrotriya, managing director at Novo Nordisk India, emphasized the need for “Indian centric” pricing to ensure accessibility of the drugs within the country. The company’s response to the increased competition remains a key factor in how the market will evolve.
The expiry of the patent also affects China and Canada, where Novo Nordisk is also on the verge of losing patent protection for semaglutide. The combined impact of generic competition in these major markets is expected to be substantial, potentially altering the global landscape for weight-loss treatments.
The development comes after a period of high demand and, at times, limited supply for Ozempic and Wegovy, driven by their effectiveness in weight management and increasing awareness. The availability of cheaper generics is expected to address accessibility issues and potentially broaden the reach of these medications.
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