Zydus Lifesciences to Launch Generic Semaglutide Injection for Diabetes and Obesity

Zydus Lifesciences plans to launch generic semaglutide injections for Diabetes and Obesity in India by March 2026, providing affordable access for patients.

Zydus Lifesciences, an Indian pharmaceutical company, plans to introduce a semaglutide injection to treat diabetes and obesity. Following the Ozempic active ingredient's patent expiration in late March, the company is introducing generic semaglutide injections in India.

The company wants to significantly increase patient access to one of the most sought-after diabetes and obesity treatments in the world. Crucially, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has already given Zydus permission to produce and sell semaglutide for obesity and Type-2 diabetes. Zydus' new device is an adjustable pen that provides all allowed dose strengths for Type 2 diabetes and obesity from a single reusable unit, in contrast to current GLP-1 therapies that need patients to purchase many single-dose pens as their dosage increases.

Semaglutide and other GLP-1 receptor agonists imitate a hormone that controls blood sugar and suppresses hunger. Beyond their initial usage for diabetes, they attracted international interest for their impact on weight loss. In a statement, Zydus Lifesciences Managing Director Dr. Sharvil Patel stated that they are not just planning to bring a critical therapy to market, whereas they are aiming to elevate the standard of care.

The medicine will be offered in 1.5 mg doses and supplied with a reusable, adjustable pen device. Unlike traditional single-use injectable pens, this device allows patients to dial in different doses from a single pen using reusable cartridges. As a result, patients benefit from both flexibility and convenience, while healthcare providers receive a realistic dosing solution adapted to specific treatment programs.

Zydus Lifesciences launched Anyra, a domestically produced biosimilar to Aflibercept 2 mg, last week. The medication is prescribed to treat vision impairment and the company has signed contracts with Bayer and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.