Weight Loss Drug Prices Plummet in India as Semaglutide Patent Expires
Weight loss medications containing semaglutide are now being sold in India for as little as £10 per month, following the expiration of Novo Nordisk's exclusive patent on the key ingredient. This dramatic price drop marks a significant shift in the global pharmaceutical market, offering a stark contrast to the £200 per month that some private buyers in the UK currently pay for similar injections.
Patent Expiry Sparks Competitive Market
Novo Nordisk's patent on semaglutide, the active component in popular drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, ended last Friday in India. Immediately, seven Indian drug manufacturers announced their own versions of semaglutide jabs, with prices ranging from £10 to £65 per month. This development is set to make the weight loss drug market highly competitive worldwide, as patents are also due to expire this year in Canada, China, and Brazil, while remaining valid in the UK until 2031.
Safety Warnings for UK Consumers
Despite the allure of lower prices, experts are urging caution. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, has warned British users against purchasing these drugs from abroad via third-party websites until they are approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). She emphasised the risks of obtaining unverified products, stating that patients should wait for official UK approval to ensure safety and legitimacy.
Market Details and Pricing
In India, the new semaglutide products include Eris Life Sciences' Sundae at £10.33 per month, Glenmark's offerings between £10.39 and £14.08, and Alkem Laboratories' brands starting at £14.41. Zydus Lifesciences has launched reusable pens for around £17.60. However, not all options are cheap; Torrent Pharmaceuticals' oral tablets cost at least £31.24, and Sun Pharmaceutical's Noveltreat and Sematrinity range from £24 to £65 monthly.
Growing Demand and Potential Risks
Semaglutide has been available in the UK since 2018, with approximately 10.2 million prescriptions issued over five years. Recent estimates suggest up to 1.6 million Britons have used weight loss drugs like Wegovy or Mounjaro in the past year, mostly through private channels due to NHS restrictions. With prices soaring and access limited, the cheaper Indian alternatives may appeal to many, but concerns over misuse and side effects, such as increased risk of eye strokes, highlight the need for regulated use.
Future Implications
Dr Hannbeck predicts that the patent expiry will lead to more generic manufacturers entering the market, ultimately driving down prices globally, including in the UK. Over 40 Indian firms are expected to launch more than 50 products soon, which could lead to regulatory tightening to prevent misuse. Innovations like the new Wegovy pill, which is cheaper than injectable versions, may further reshape the landscape, but safety remains paramount for consumers worldwide.
