Last week’s expiry of the patent for semaglutide—the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drugs that are used to treat both diabetes and obesity—unleashed a flurry of launches of low-cost generic versions by some of India’s biggest pharma companies.

Billionaire Dilip Shanghvi’s Sun Pharmaceutical Industries introduced semaglutide pen injections under the brand names Noveltreat and Sematrinity. Noveltreat retails at roughly 3,600 rupees ($38.3) per month for the lowest dose, and Sematrinity at 3,000 rupees per month, less than half the cost of Ozempic and Wegovy.

“With the launch of Noveltreat and Sematrinity, our endeavour is to provide a high-quality, affordable therapy to a wider patient community in India,” said Kirti Ganorkar, managing director of Sun Pharmaceutical in a statement.

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories—owned by........

© Forbes