India will tour Ireland for T20Is in June before England series. Full schedule and key details here. World champions India will tour Ireland for a T20I series in June ahead of their white-ball assignment in England. The series, confirmed by Ireland’s director of high performance Graham West
Following a thorough review of the situation in various parts of the Middle East, the CBSE has cancelled the Class 10 main examinations on March 5th. The affected countries include Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. During this period, 6 major exams including Mathematics
New Delhi: The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region due to escalations by Iran, Israel, US could send a ripple effect in the Indian property market. The hostile conditions in the West Asia could result in price escalation in India's realty sector
Mumbai orthopaedic surgeon warns this common sleeping position is 'killing your neck': Shares simple hack to fix itDr Manan Vora shared that many people focus on maintaining good posture during the day, but neglect their neck alignment at night, leading to chronic pain. Published on: Mar 20
Dhurandhar 2 box office collection day 1: Dhurandhar (the first part) released and became the all-time highest grosser in Hindi, opening with Rs 27 crore at the box office. Dhurandhar 2 box office collection: Bollywood just got its biggest opener in Hindi ever! Filmmaker Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar 2:
The excitement around Aditya Dhar’s spy thriller franchise shows no signs of slowing down. Just months after the release of the first film last December, the sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, has hit theatres on March 19 and fans are going absolutely wild
US President Donald Trump has issued a typically strongly worded statement in the wake of attacks on a major gas field shared by Iran and Qatar on Wednesday. Israel hit Iran's South Pars - part of the world's largest natural gas field – and Tehran retaliated by striking an energy complex in Qatar
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.No budget for an AC? How to stay cool without an AC using simple and affordable cooling solutionsFrom air coolers to simple home hacks
Indian Pharma is ready to flex generics muscle as Ozempic, Wegovy patent expires
Indian Pharma is ready to flex generics muscle as Ozempic, Wegovy patent expires today
Indian Pharma is ready to flex generics muscle as Ozempic, Wegovy patent expires today
Sun Pharma to Dr Reddy's and Lupin are gearing up to launch over 50 brands that will compete with Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro at half the price.
Published on: Mar 20, 2026 10:53 AM IST By HT Business Desk Share via Copy link India's pharma industry is ready to flex its generics muscle as the patent for a key ingredient of blockbuster weight-loss drugs expires today. Pharmarack estimates India’s weight-loss drug market to surge from roughly ₹1,500 crore today to ₹8,000 crore by 2030. (Reuters) More than 40 Indian drugmakers are gearing up to launch over 50 brands that'll compete with Ozempic and Wegovy at half the price. The impending supply glut is expected to democratise access in a notoriously price-sensitive market, while raising concerns over regulatory oversight and the potential for widespread drug misuse. The stakes are immense. India, the world’s most populous nation, carries the second-highest diabetic burden globally after China—450 million of us may be obese or overweight by 2050, according to The Lancet. Pharmarack estimates India’s obesity drug market will surge from roughly ₹1,500 crore today to ₹8,000 crore by 2030.Half-Price Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro
India's generic drugmakers—globally renowned for their ability to manufacture low-cost medicines at scale—are preparing to aggressively undercut the market. Analysts project these generics will debut at steep discounts of at least 50% to 60% compared to branded counterparts like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic, or Eli Lilly & Co.’s Mounjaro. Monthly costs for the lowest dose of semaglutide—the key active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) whose patent is expiring today—are expected to plummet from ~ ₹11,000 to a range of ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 almost immediately. As production scales, prices could eventually bottom out between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500. This sharp deflation is poised to radically expand the consumer base. "Onboarding of patients from lower economic strata may happen on branded generics," noted Sheetal Sapale, commercial vice president at Pharmarack, told Reuters, though she cautioned that corporate profitability will hinge heavily on maintaining pricing discipline amid the glut.Too Many Options
Industry heavyweights including Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Lupin Ltd., Mankind Pharma, and Alkem Laboratories Ltd. are all jockeying for market share. Rather than engaging in solo price wars, some top-tier firms are leveraging strategic co-marketing pacts to consolidate distribution. In a major pre-emptive move earlier this week, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. and Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. struck a licensing agreement to co-market a semaglutide injection. Under the terms of the deal, Zydus Lifesciences will manufacture an innovative formulation—a 15 mg/3 ml pre-filled cartridge utilised with a reusable pen—while Torrent Pharma secures semi-exclusive rights to market the drug under the brand name Sembolic. The upfront licensing fee structure allows Zydus to monetise its manufacturing prowess while Torrent Pharma leverages its massive domestic field force in chronic therapies. While the influx of generics is a boon for affordability, healthcare analysts are sounding the alarm over the potential for a regulatory “Wild West”. Semaglutide remains a prescription-only medication, but pharmaceutical enforcement in India has historically been porous. “With high demand, falling prices and multiple brands, you may see direct pharmacy purchases, distributor-level leakages, or cosmetic or lifestyle use, especially in urban markets,” warned Salil Kallianpur, an independent pharma analyst, told Reuters. Such unstructured access, Kallianpur argues, could lead to poor dosage titration, unmanaged side effects, and eventually, forced regulatory tightening by the state.Survival of the Fittest
The immediate aftermath of the patent cliff will be chaotic. The market will be saturated with “sema”-branded derivatives, overwhelming prescribers with aggressive marketing campaigns and varying device quality. However, in India’s physician-driven pharmaceutical ecosystem, long-term success will rely on clinical trust rather than just rock-bottom pricing. Doctors acting as gatekeepers are expected to eventually consolidate their prescriptions around a handful of reliable players who can guarantee supply chain integrity and consistent patient outcomes. For the dozens of companies entering the fray today, the clock is already ticking. “Weaker players with poor quality and no differentiation will likely exit within two to three years,” Kallianpur said. ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Business Desk The HT Business Desk provides comprehensive coverage of the Indian and global financial markets. Based in Mumbai and New Delhi, the team tracks everything from Sensex and Nifty movements to the latest from India Inc., trade deals, and macroeconomic policy. We aim to empower readers with timely, fact-checked news that clarifies the complexities of the business world.Read More Business News Stay updated with the latest Business News on Petrol Price, Gold Rate, Silver Rates, Diesel Prices along with Income Tax Calculator News / Business / Indian Pharma Is Ready To Flex Generics Muscle As Ozempic, Wegovy Patent Expires Today See LessIndia's pharma industry is ready to flex its generics muscle as the patent for a key ingredient of blockbuster weight-loss drugs expires today.
More than 40 Indian drugmakers are gearing up to launch over 50 brands that'll compete with Ozempic and Wegovy at half the price. The impending supply glut is expected to democratise access in a notoriously price-sensitive market, while raising concerns over regulatory oversight and the potential for widespread drug misuse.
The stakes are immense. India, the world’s most populous nation, carries the second-highest diabetic burden globally after China—450 million of us may be obese or overweight by 2050, according to The Lancet. Pharmarack estimates India’s obesity drug market will surge from roughly ₹1,500 crore today to ₹8,000 crore by 2030.
Monthly costs for the lowest dose of semaglutide—the key active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) whose patent is expiring today—are expected to plummet from ~ ₹11,000 to a range of ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 almost immediately. As production scales, prices could eventually bottom out between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500.
This sharp deflation is poised to radically expand the consumer base. "Onboarding of patients from lower economic strata may happen on branded generics," noted Sheetal Sapale, commercial vice president at Pharmarack, told Reuters, though she cautioned that corporate profitability will hinge heavily on maintaining pricing discipline amid the glut.
Rather than engaging in solo price wars, some top-tier firms are leveraging strategic co-marketing pacts to consolidate distribution. In a major pre-emptive move earlier this week, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. and Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. struck a licensing agreement to co-market a semaglutide injection.
Under the terms of the deal, Zydus Lifesciences will manufacture an innovative formulation—a 15 mg/3 ml pre-filled cartridge utilised with a reusable pen—while Torrent Pharma secures semi-exclusive rights to market the drug under the brand name Sembolic. The upfront licensing fee structure allows Zydus to monetise its manufacturing prowess while Torrent Pharma leverages its massive domestic field force in chronic therapies.
While the influx of generics is a boon for affordability, healthcare analysts are sounding the alarm over the potential for a regulatory “Wild West”. Semaglutide remains a prescription-only medication, but pharmaceutical enforcement in India has historically been porous.
“With high demand, falling prices and multiple brands, you may see direct pharmacy purchases, distributor-level leakages, or cosmetic or lifestyle use, especially in urban markets,” warned Salil Kallianpur, an independent pharma analyst, told Reuters.
Such unstructured access, Kallianpur argues, could lead to poor dosage titration, unmanaged side effects, and eventually, forced regulatory tightening by the state.
However, in India’s physician-driven pharmaceutical ecosystem, long-term success will rely on clinical trust rather than just rock-bottom pricing.
Doctors acting as gatekeepers are expected to eventually consolidate their prescriptions around a handful of reliable players who can guarantee supply chain integrity and consistent patient outcomes.
For the dozens of companies entering the fray today, the clock is already ticking. “Weaker players with poor quality and no differentiation will likely exit within two to three years,” Kallianpur said.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: RCB Flex All-Round Muscle As Smriti Mandhana Praises Bowlers Post DC Clash Indian Food Items That Mimic The Ozempic Drug Effect In Our Body For Weight Loss Endocrinologist explains dark side of weight loss drugs like Ozempic What Is 'Ozempic Vulva' Ozempic Gets India Nod Does Ozempic need to be taken forever once started From Ozempic To Lifestyle Science Ozempic coming soon to India Ozempic Face Is Real Ozempic approved in India
The impact of the ongoing war in West Asia is spreading beyond oil and gas. Important sectors in India such as fertilisers, diamonds, aviation and polymers are feeling the pressure. New Delhi: The war in West Asia is no longer about oil and gas only. It is now affecting India’s overall economy
2 minutes ago
President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing is delayed due to a Middle East war. Analysts believe this puts China in a stronger position to negotiate. Trump may seek a diplomatic win. China has ignored calls to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz
2 minutes ago
The 13th century Persian poet Saadi Shirazi writes of human beings as “members of a whole”, of one essence and soul, and calls for sympathising with human pain: If one member is afflicted with pain,Other members uneasy will remain.If you’ve no sympathy for human pain
2 minutes ago
Stojanovic's late goal rescues Jamshedpur FC against SC Delhi Published on: Mar 20, 2026 10:27 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Stojanovic's late goal rescues Jamshedpur FC against SC Delhi Key Takeaways Summary is AI-generated Jamshedpur FC's Nikola Stojanović scored a last-minute equaliser
2 minutes ago
The US is weighing lifting sanctions on some Iranian oil, as it scrambles to contain the impact of its war in Iran on energy markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent put forward the idea in a Fox interview, saying it could make more oil available to global buyers. Around the world
2 minutes ago
Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards will miss the IPL 2026 season. He sustained a foot injury. Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him for Rs 3 crore. This is a blow for Sunrisers Hyderabad. They will also miss captain Pat Cummins. Ishan Kishan will lead the team
2 minutes ago
Gastroenterologist says jamun seed is great for diabetes management; suggests best way to consume it: ‘1 spoon every…’Gastroenterologist emphasises that jamun seeds aid diabetes management through natural compounds that regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation. Updated on: Mar 20
2 minutes ago
A viral video shows a hand pump left in the middle of a newly widened road in Mirzapur, UP. See the "drive-through hydration" mockery and the PWD’s midnight fix. The Uttar Pradesh Public Works Department faced public outrage after a video showed a hand pump standing in the center of a street that
2 minutes ago
Investors scramble to make sense of HDFC chairman Atanu Chakraborty's sudden exitThe unexpected resignation of HDFC Bank chairman Atanu Chakraborty has left investors bewildered, triggering a 5% drop in shares. Updated on: Mar 20, 2026 9:59 AM IST By Shayan Ghosh Share via Copy link Mumbai:
2 minutes ago
Early in this maximalist’s dream of sensory overload, when the background voice of a girl menacingly provokes: ‘you are not ready for this’, one wants to tell her actually, one is over-prepared. As it turns out, the sequel attempts to outdo the original in volume and venom
2 minutes ago
The new season of dating show The Bachelorette has been cancelled following domestic violence allegations against this season's star, ABC has said. The network said it "made the decision to not move forward with the new season" after footage of Taylor Frankie Paul emerged on Thursday appearing to
2 minutes ago
Dhurandhar 2 worldwide box office collection day 1: ₹240 crore start breaks all Bollywood records, beats even BaahubaliDhurandhar 2 worldwide box office collection day 1: Ranveer Singh's spy thriller has crossed the ₹200 crore mark globally on its first day itself. Mar 20, 2026
2 minutes ago
Eid al-Fitr celebrations is about celebrating with family and loved ones. It is a time of rejoicing and coming together with the community. Like many festivals in India, food and especially desserts, plays an integral part in the celebrations
2 minutes ago
The release of Dhurandhar: The Revenge has transformed PVR multiplexes across Delhi-NCR into realms of barely controlled anarchy with house full boards, police deployment, technical malfunctions, and record-breaking advance bookings proclaiming one of the largest debuts the capital has ever seen
2 minutes ago
IMD issued a yellow alert for rain and 50kmph storms in 13 UP districts including Noida, Meerut, and Ghaziabad. Check the 48-hour forecast and farmer advisory here. The weather in Uttar Pradesh is going to change a lot. The India Meteorological Department said there will be thunderstorms, rain
2 minutes ago
India weather today: Going out in the car during rainy days is fun and enjoyable, but it can turn risky if your vehicle isn’t ready for the bad weather. India weather today: Going out in the car during rainy days is fun and enjoyable, but it can turn risky if your vehicle isn’t ready for the
2 minutes ago
Barricades, broken promises, phone curbs: Inside Vijay’s TVK Iftaar party in PoonjeeriFollowing Chennai controversy last year, actor Vijay’s TVK organised a more streamlined Iftaar party and managed the crowd wanting to get closer to the star Published on: Mar 20
2 minutes ago
Stock Market Holiday: Confusion is building among investors over whether Indian stock markets will remain closed on March 20 on account of Eid al-Fitr. As per the official holiday calendars released by NSE and BSE for 2026, Eid al-Fitr is not scheduled as a market holiday on March 20
2 minutes ago
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized the Election Commission of India's recent reshuffles of state officials. She described the actions as an 'undeclared Emergency' and a politically motivated move to control the state
2 minutes ago
As Dhurandhar 2 sets new Bollywood opening record, a look at the top 10 first day box office collectionsRanveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar has become the first Bollywood film to earn ₹100 crore in a day. It is directed by Aditya Dhar. Mar 20, 2026
2 minutes ago
SPOILER ALERT! The ending of Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge takes a quiet and emotional turn. Ranveer Singh’s Hamza Ali Mazari finishes his mission in Pakistan and returns to India. As he regains his identity as Jaskirat Singh Rangi, what happens to him afterwards? Let’s find out
2 minutes ago
Is the LDF losing its grip on Kerala? A new 2026 pre-poll survey of 26,000 voters shows the UDF leading with 38.2% vote share. See the top CM picks and anti-incumbency data. A pre-poll survey ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections shows a notable change in the political scene
2 minutes ago
RBSE 10th Result 2026: Rajasthan Board Class 10 results not releasing today? latest update here Published on: Mar 20, 2026 10:19 AM IST By HT Education Desk | Written by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education has postponed the
2 minutes ago
Just ten days ago, Delhi was witnessing the hottest March week in 50 years with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees Celsius. Days after, within the same month, Delhiites have been waking up to rains for two consecutive days, and the same March now has become the wettest March for the city in
2 minutes ago
A newly identified set of iOS vulnerabilities is at the centre of a sophisticated attack method known as “DarkSword,” according to a new research by Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, along with cybersecurity firms Lookout and iVerify. Their findings show how multiple flaws in Apple’s
2 minutes ago
Navy officer flags 'perceived lack of neutrality' after Army boxer gets nod in India squad for Asian Championships Updated on: Mar 20, 2026 9:21 AM IST Written by Vishesh Roy Share via Copy link Generic boxing image (Getty) Key Takeaways Summary is AI-generated A senior Navy official has questioned
2 minutes ago
Indian Pharma is ready to flex generics muscle as Ozempic, Wegovy patent expires todaySun Pharma to Dr Reddy's and Lupin are gearing up to launch over 50 brands that will compete with Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro at half the price. Published on: Mar 20
2 minutes ago
