India to develop local versions of Novo Nordisk obesity drug

Indian pharmaceutical companies, including Sun Pharma, Cipla, Dr Reddy’s, and Lupin, have confirmed they are developing their own versions of Novo Nordisk’s popular obesity drug, Wegovy. Analysts predict the market for weight loss drugs could surge to $100 billion annually by the end of the decade. With an expected 11% of India’s adult population to be overweight by 2035, there is significant market potential. Wegovy, containing the patented substance semaglutide, has not yet been launched in India, but is anticipated to be introduced by 2026. Patents will eventually expire, allowing Indian firms to sell their products; these generics are predicted to be much cheaper. Novo Nordisk welcomes the competition, while Wegovy is already available in Denmark, USA, Germany, Norway, the UK, and Iceland.