NEW DELHI - A deluge of weight‑loss drugs is set to transform the global fight against obesity as India prepares to unleash low‑cost generic versions of injections like Ozempic after a key patent expired Friday.
The move will dramatically widen access to treatments that have long been considered a luxury, especially in middle-income countries, where soaring demand has collided with steep prices.
At clinics across Mumbai, doctors say they are already preparing for an influx in new patients.
More than 50 people walk into endocrinologist Nadeem Rais's office every week seeking weight-loss injections.
He told AFP:
"We have around 70 to 80 patients on active treatment right now. When generics come out and prices drop, that could go up to 200 easily."
His colleague Sunera Ghai agrees saying that demand is "very high" but many "probably aren't taking it just because it is truly a luxury item at this point".
The breakthrough comes as patents on semaglutide the active ingredient in drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy expired Friday in India, the world's largest supplier of generic medicines.
By the end of 2026, core patents on semaglutide will have expired in 10 countries that represent 48 percent of the global obesity burden, according to a study published earlier this month by researchers.
These include Brazil, China, South Africa, Turkey and Canada, the study said.
- Launching soon -
For India's drug giants, this marks the start of an aggressive new race.
At least four major firms have already prepared generic semaglutide injections, regulatory filings and compliance documents viewed by AFP show.
Some, including Zydus Lifesciences, have announced "Day 1" launches, suggesting generic versions may become available as soon as this weekend in India.
Research firm Pharmarack estimates the Indian market will soon be flooded with options.
By Anuj Srivas