Mumbai: Fifty-year-old Taranath K (name changed) was waiting for March 20, 2026, for almost a year to begin his “fight against obesity”. Original versions of the anti-obesity medications that entered India last year cost Rs 14,000-Rs 17,000 a month and were steep for him. “I knew generic versions would come, and now I will start the treatment for a quarter of the cost,” said the 82-kg Chembur resident.
Taranath is only one of the many approaching doctors for advice on which generic version to choose. The patent for semaglutide — the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity medication from pharma major Novo Nordisk — ended on March 20, with many Indian companies launching their generic versions on Saturday with price tags ranging from Rs 1,200 to Rs 5,000 for a month.
Doctors have, however, advised caution before reaching for the least expensive version. Andheri-based diabetologist Dr Rajiv Kovil said a wait-and-watch approach would be the best. “We have to first check if these companies can maintain the cold chain required for peptide-based medications such as semaglutide (peptides are sensitive to temperature, needing specific storage to maintain their efficacy),” said Dr Kovil.
Dr Tushar Bandgar, head of endocrinology at KEM Hospital, Parel, said that the generic launches could be a “game-changer” as price was a major inhibitor for many Indian patients. There are approximately 101 million adults living with obesity in India. Anti-obesity medicines are known to also control metabolic problems, heart problems, and fatty liver. All the generic versions have undergone trials to prove their bioequivalence, but it would be best to observe for a month or so before deciding which version to prescribe for patients, he said.
“When an older anti-obesity medicine, which had to be given daily, went off patent a few years back, some generic versions had compounds that caused a mild allergy to many patients. We have to similarly study the semaglutide versions before deciding on the safe choice,” said Dr Bandgar.
