Centre flags semaglutide rules in India’s weight-loss journey

After the global patent on semaglutide expired on 20 March, several Indian drugmakers launched cheaper versions of the drug, including Sun Pharma, Zydus, Dr Reddy’s, Mankind, Torrent and Glenmark. Brands now available include Novo’s Ozempic and Wegovy and Indian versions such as Semaglyn, Semasize and Obeda, with prices ranging from about ₹1,300 to ₹16,400 a month, depending on the brand and dose. Other than semaglutide, India has also approved Orlistat (a lipase inhibitor) and Tirzepatide (a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist) for weight and diabetes management.