Indian pharma firms create alternatives to Wegovy to tap into lucrative weight-loss market

Pharmaceutical companies in focus: Pharmaceutical companies in India are seizing opportunity presented by lucrative weight-loss treatment market, both domestically and internationally. 

In response to soaring demand for Novo Nordisk's highly sought-after Wegovy, several major players in Indian generic drug industry, including Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr Reddy's, and Lupin, have initiated development of ir own versions of drug.

With projections suggesting that weight-loss treatment market could exceed $100 billion annually by end of dece, companies are eager to capitalise on this trend. 

Novo Nordisk has faced challenges in meeting demand for Wegovy in numerous countries where it has been launched, reflecting global surge in obesity rates and quest for alternative weight-loss solutions beyond tritional methods like diet and exercise. 

Eli Lilly, a US competitor, has similarly struggled to meet demand for its weight-loss drugs, Zepbound and Mounjaro.

Novo Nordisk has indicated its intention to introduce Wegovy to Indian market by 2026, although a global rollout timeline remains uncertain. 

entry of Indian generic drug manufacturers into weight-loss drug market could boost global access to se medications, making m more affordable for consumers worldwide.

Analysts anticipate substantial growth in demand for se drugs, particularly as Novo Nordisk's patents for Wegovy are set to expire in various markets in coming years. India, with its major obesity rates and a high prevalence of 2 diabetes, presents a promising market for se medications. 

Novo Nordisk's patents for semaglutide, active ingredient in Wegovy, are set to expire at different times across different regions.

While some Indian companies are developing drugs similar to Wegovy as generics, ors like Sun Pharma are focusing on creating ir own innovative treatments, necessitating clinical trials and potentially leing to patented drugs.

Despite immense potential in Indian pharmaceutical market, companies face challenges in navigating its price-sensitive landscape and building demand for anti-obesity drugs.

Clinical trials have shown promising results for drugs like Wegovy and those developed by Eli Lilly, with participants experiencing major weight loss. se drugs, classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists originally intended for managing blood sugar levels in 2 diabetes patients, also offer benefits such as delaying progression of chronic kidney disease and reducing risk of heart disease.

Pharmaceutical companies in India are set to play a major role in evolving landscape of weight-loss treatments, contributing to increased accessibility and affordability for patients globally.

(With Reuters Inputs)