Overview
- After the March 20th patent expiry for semaglutide, Indian drugmakers rolled out dozens of branded generics that cut prices by as much as 70% to 90% and pushed injection volumes sharply higher.
- Pharmarack’s March data show Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 value share slipping to 56% from 61% as cheaper semaglutide drew prescribers and patients, while Novo Nordisk’s share held near 25%.
- Novo Nordisk lowered Ozempic and Wegovy pricing to a starting monthly cost of about Rs 5,660, narrowing the gap with generics priced from roughly Rs 1,290 to Rs 4,200 and helping the company defend its base.
- India’s drug regulator and trade groups warned against misuse and marketing of GLP-1 drugs and told pharmacies to dispense them only with valid prescriptions to curb non-medical use.
- A new Indian cohort study reported this week found tirzepatide led to greater median weight loss than semaglutide over about six months, which could keep Lilly relevant for patients willing to pay more even as cheaper semaglutide expands access.