Indian pharmaceutical giant Dr Reddy’s Laboratories is gearing up to introduce a generic and significantly cheaper version of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. The company’s move could sharply reduce the cost of obesity treatment in India and globally, tapping into a market that analysts expect to be worth tens of billions of dollars annually.
Affordable Alternative to an Expensive Treatment
Wegovy, based on the molecule semaglutide, has become one of the most prescribed obesity medications worldwide. In India, its monthly cost ranges from about ₹10,850 for the lowest dose to ₹16,400 for the highest. These prices put the drug out of reach for many patients despite rising obesity rates.
Dr. Reddy’s co-chairman and MD, G V Prasad, told Reuters at the BioAsia conference in Hyderabad that the company aims to price its generic version up to 60 % lower than the branded Wegovy, making it a far more affordable option. He said that a discount in the range of 50 %–60 % compared to the original is feasible — a substantial reduction that could widen access to treatment.
Patent Expiry Spurs Generic Competition
The opportunity arises because the patent on semaglutide is set to expire in March 2026, opening the door for generic manufacturers like Dr. Reddy’s to produce and sell less costly versions. Last month, the company received regulatory approval in India to manufacture and market a generic of Ozempic, another semaglutide-based product used for diabetes, and is now waiting for final approval on its Wegovy equivalent.
Dr. Reddy’s has sufficient manufacturing capacity and plans to work with local partners to meet demand. The company aims to sell about 12 million injectable semaglutide pens in the first year after launch. Prasad noted that several generic manufacturers are expected to enter the market, and competition will determine who captures the largest share.
Boost for Treatment Access and Industry Competition
This strategy positions Dr. Reddy’s at the forefront of a growing global race to produce affordable versions of expensive obesity treatments. As obesity becomes an increasing public health challenge in India and worldwide, cheaper generics could help more patients access effective therapy while also reshaping the market dynamics previously dominated by expensive branded drugs.
