Low-Cost Anti-Obesity Drugs Coming to India as Semaglutide Patent Expires

• The patent on Semaglutide, a key ingredient in weight-loss drugs, expires on March 20, paving the way for generic versions in India.
• Indian pharma giants Zydus, Torrent Pharma, Sun Pharma, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories are set to launch generic Semaglutide.
• Generic anti-obesity drugs are expected to be significantly cheaper, potentially 50-80% below current branded costs, making them more accessible.
• India faces a severe obesity crisis, with over 23% of women and 22% of men overweight, and is considered the world's diabetes capital.
• Despite optimism, Semaglutide is not on India's National List of Essential Medicines, meaning patients will pay out of pocket.