Ozempic Patent Expiry Heralds Weight-Loss Drug Boom in India

Swati Pradhan sees about 12 obesity patients a day at her small clinic in southern Mumbai. She expects this number to at least double from this month as Indian drug makers prepare to launch off-patent versions of Novo Nordisk A/S’s blockbuster weight-loss drug at half the price.

The Danish drugmaker’s key patent on semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy that reshaped the global weight-loss industry, expires in India on March 20. At least five Indian drugmakers — Mankind Pharma Ltd., Ajanta Pharma Ltd., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., and Lupin Ltd. — are gearing up to sell cheaper copies of the drug immediately after the expiry, according to their statements and post-earnings calls.