India’s leading drugmaker is preparing for a big move in the weight-loss market.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories plans to launch a much cheaper generic version of Wegovy, the blockbuster obesity treatment made by Novo Nordisk.
If this happens as planned, obesity treatment could become far more affordable for millions of patients.
A Cheaper Alternative to an Expensive Drug
Wegovy is based on the molecule semaglutide and is one of the most widely prescribed weight-loss drugs in the world.
In India, the monthly cost of Wegovy ranges from around ₹10,850 for the lowest dose to ₹16,400 for the highest.
For many patients, this price is simply too high.
Dr. Reddy’s says it aims to price its generic version up to 50–60 percent lower than the branded drug.
According to the company’s co-chairman and MD, G V Prasad, such a price cut is possible once the patent expires.
A discount of this scale could dramatically increase access to treatment.
Patent Expiry Opens the Door
The patent for semaglutide is set to expire in March 2026.
Once that happens, generic manufacturers can legally produce and sell their own versions.
Dr. Reddy’s has already received approval in India to manufacture a generic version of Ozempic, another semaglutide-based medicine used for diabetes.
Now, it is waiting for final approval for its Wegovy equivalent.
The company says it has enough manufacturing capacity and plans to work with local partners to meet demand.
It is targeting sales of around 12 million injectable pens in the first year after launch.
A Big Shift in the Obesity Treatment Market
Obesity is rising rapidly in India and across the world.
At the same time, demand for effective weight-loss medicines is growing.
Until now, expensive branded drugs have dominated this market.
But the entry of lower-cost generics could change that.
With multiple companies likely to enter the race after patent expiry, competition will decide who captures the largest share.
If priced as promised, Dr. Reddy’s move could not only reshape the obesity treatment market but also make life-changing medicines accessible to far more patients.
