Zydus plans launch of semaglutide generic in reusable pen form

Mumbai: Zydus Lifesciences said it plans to launch the generic version of weight-loss injection semaglutide in prefilled cartridges of 15 mg and 3 ml dosage forms. The product, to be sold following its patent expiry next month, will be launched under the brand names Semaglyn, Mashema and Altreme. The company said the drug will be available in a patient-friendly reusable pen for which the company has exclusive rights.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier approved manufacturing and marketing of semaglutide injection for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Zydus said as a critical differentiator, it will be offering its novel, indigenously developed drug-delivery system in an innovative, adjustable single-pen device. This feature, it said, is unlike existing treatments that require patients to purchase multiple single-dose pens as they titrate their dosage. “By introducing a first-of-its-kind drug delivery mechanism in India, we plan to simplify the treatment,” said Zydus Lifesciences MD Sharvil Patel.

The company did not disclose the price range for the product. However, most experts expect the monthly treatment to be in the range of ₹4,000 to ₹5,000, significantly lower than the currently available options.

Zydus is among a raft of Indian generic drug companies eyeing a share of the obesity treatment in India as its patent expiry nears in India.

Following its launch last year, US-based drug maker Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (tirzepatide) recorded a sharp growth vaulting into the league of top ten prescription brands sold in India.

Danish insulin giant Novo Nordisk followed suit and launched its top brands Wegovy and Ozempic to amplify its market presence.