Zydus to launch generic semaglutide injections in India after patent expiry in March

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Feb 25 – Zydus Lifesciences will launch generic versions of semaglutide injections for obesity and diabetes in India after patent expiry of the Ozempic active ingredient in late March, it said on Wednesday.  

* Zydus plans to launch the drug under three brand names – SEMAGLYN, MASHEMA, ALTERME. * Unlike existing treatments that require multiplesingle-use pens, Zydus’ single adjustable pen will let patientsselect different doses, lowering costs, it says. * Zydus holds exclusive rights to its reusable pen withprefilled cartridges. * Patent protection for semaglutide expires in India late inMarch 2026, triggering a rush among Indian drugmakers to preparelower-cost versions. * Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Danish drugmakerNovo Nordisk’s blockbuster diabetes drug Ozempic and weight-lossdrug Wegovy. * In January, Zydus received approval from India’s regulatorto make and sell generic versions of the weight-loss drugs. * Larger peer Dr Reddy’s Laboratories is likely to launchits generic semaglutide injection in the country in March underthe brand name Obeda, Reuters reported earlier on Wednesday,citing two people familiar with the matter.

(Reporting by Nishit Navin in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed)