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Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Ozempic, a patent challenge, and the $25 billion race for India's weight-loss drug market
Mumbai: In late May, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company from Hyderabad, sprang a surprise. It filed a patent challenge against Novo Nordisk, a Danish company, for its popular weight loss drug semaglutide. Novo Nordisk filed for two patent applications in India—in 2006, which expired in September 2024, and another in 2007, which is set to expire in March 2026. Dr. Reddy's has challenged the second patent, contending that it lacks novelty. Pharma companies often file follow-on patents with claims of modifications to the original compound and its derivative forms. The follow-on patents allow drug developers to extend their market monopoly and halt generic competition for longer. Generic versions are cheaper copies of the original drug. Dr. Reddy's, obviously, is in a hurry to launch a generic version. A win for the company will upend the plans of more than a dozen local pharmaceutical firms, all of whom are eyeing a slice of the estimated $25 billion Indian weight loss market. No prescription drug in recent memory has captured the imagination of Indian patients as much as semaglutide. Or for that matter globally. In 2024, sold under three brand names—Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus—semaglutide is the second most prescribed drug in the world, notching sales of $29 billion annually. A more recently launched competing brand, Mounjaro, by US-headquartered drug maker Eli Lilly, grew 123% in 2024 to $11.5 billion and is already among the top 10 drugs in the world, according to Drug Discovery & Development, a pharmaceutical industry news website. 'It's a big opportunity. It's a product that comes once in a while in the pharma cycle, and perhaps a product that people are a lot more aware of, much before its launch," Umang Vohra, managing director and global CEO of Cipla, told journalists during an interaction last month. Social media has contributed immensely to the street popularity of Ozempic, largely driven by celebrity endorsements by the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk. Both admitted to using such drugs to manage their weight. Though Indian celebrities haven't yet admitted to their use, the mystery slimming of Bollywood film maker Karan Johar and TV talk show host Kapil Sharma have drawn comparisons. Opportunity 2.0 Nonetheless, it is not all social media. There is a genuine market for weight loss medications—numbers tell the story. A recent Lancet study stated that India is expected to total 450 million overweight or obese people by 2050, the largest in the world. The study also found that obesity rates increased from 1.2% in 1990 to 9.8% in 2022 for women and 0.5% to 5.4% in men. Those with body mass index (BMI) between 25 kg/m2 to 29.9 kg/m2 are considered overweight while those with an index of over 30 kg/m2 are considered obese. 'Often, lifestyle diseases are associated with adults but we must not overlook the increasing issues of overweight and obesity in juveniles. It is a growing menace," said Dr Sambit Patnaik, a Mumbai-based surgeon. The pharmaceutical industry has also spotted a rare opportunity, similar to the one it saw in anti-diabetic drugs at the turn of the century. At that time, the Indian pharmaceutical market, according to market research agency MARG, was all of ₹16,000 crore and diabetic drugs accounted for about ₹1,000 crore of it. Today, the market for diabetic drugs is worth ₹40,000 crore and it accounts for roughly 10% of the ₹4 trillion Indian industry. Back then, the boom was aided by the generic version of metformin, an oral drug with lower gastric side effects for type 2 diabetes. It caught the fancy of Ranbaxy Laboratories, Dr. Reddy's, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and a host of other Indian pharmaceutical companies. Like diabetes drugs, weight loss medications also have to be taken as long as a patient wants to manage her or his weight—which explains the current gold rush. Crash the price In India, generic versions can cut current prices substantially, thereby expanding the market. Novo Nordisk's Rybelsus is available in India but only in oral form and a month's supply costs ₹10,000. The most effective form of the drug is as an injectable, and it is delivered in metered doses using a pen-like device with thin hair like needles. Imports can cost upwards of ₹80,000 per month. The injectable version is expected to launch soon. Despite the high costs, Rybelsus sales have notched up ₹418 crore, between its launch in 2022 and March 2025, according to Pharma data agency IQVIA. Mounjaro's injectables, available in India, cost far less— ₹17,500 per month. 'Since India sells branded generic dosages, the retail price of new launches will be 40-70% of the innovator's price," Ravinder Singha, managing director of Firmlink Pharma, a generic exporter, said. 'But since Mounjaro is the benchmark treatment, we should expect semaglutide drugs to be substantially cheaper," he added. Semaglutide tablets, therefore, could be available for ₹4000- ₹7000 per month and Wegovy clones at a bigger discount to Mounjaro's ₹17,500 per month. 'Generic brands in India will hit the shelf the next day a drug goes off patent," said Nimish Mehta, founder of Research Delta Advisors, a pharma consultancy. So, Indian generics should be available from April 2026 onwards. Meanwhile, Indian pharmacies have acknowledged the growing demand for such drugs. 'These GLP-1s…everyday we are selling huge quantities," Shobana Kamineni, executive chairperson of Apollo Health Co and Apollo Pharmacies, said. Medications used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes are classified as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs. The science GLP-1 is an equivalent of peptide glucagon that is produced in the small intestine and colon after ingestion of food which increases blood sugar. Glucagon then stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin to control blood sugar. GLP-1 drugs behave like synthetic glucagon and stimulate the same effects from the body. In addition, GLP-1 drugs leave the user with a feeling of fullness that sends a message to the brain to slow down the ingestion of food. From the last decade, there is enough evidence that the new class of GLP-1 drugs, like semaglutide and tirzepatide, offer weight reduction between 21-23% of the initial body weight without any severe side effects. And as anti-diabetic drugs, they were meant for prolonged use. 'In the range of medication for management of obesity, (GLP-1s) have proven to be the game changer," bariatric surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawala told Mint. Historically, GLP-1 class of drugs did not see much competition for two reasons. Initially, these drugs were marketed as an anti-diabetic injection—there were already many competing drugs available in that space. Second, glucagon being a peptide hormone, an organic substance, the drugs had to emulate their form and structure. Like insulin, they can be produced by fermentation or by chemical synthesis and both have their complexities. Producing large quantities of fermentation medicines like insulin or penicillin require high investments, both in manufacturing and cold supply chains. Even in the oral version of semaglutide, which is manufactured by chemical synthesis, the manufacturing process is a long and complex one. Oral delivery of peptides does not permeate the gastrointestinal tract easily and, therefore, Novo Nordisk had to engineer its product differently to ensure potency. US dreams Despite all the complexities, Indian companies want to grab the opportunity the US, global and Indian markets present. Let's look at the US first. Companies like Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy's, Lupin and Natco Pharma (which has a tie-up with Mylan Pharmaceuticals) filed applications with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make the generic versions of semaglutide the same month—December 2021. They did so to avail what is called the first-to-file (FTF) status. Overall, 18 Indian companies have applied. Generic applications in the US are filed way before patents expire and an FTF allows a company to market its generic for 180 days exclusively in the US, before more cheaper generics hit the market. Natco (through Mylan) is the only company to have sought approval for generic Wegovy. The US FDA has not yet approved any generic so far. 'Since an application to the FDA will include a sample of the product and details of manufacturing plants, we can assume that there is enough confidence among Indian players to make the drug," Mehta of Research Delta Advisors said. India stack A long list of companies, from different pharma sub-sectors, could benefit from the weight-loss bonanza. For the domestic market and for generic exports to countries where no patents exist, the list of companies waiting to launch semaglutide next year includes Dr. Reddy's, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Zydus Lifesciences, Lupin, Mankind Pharma, Alkem Laboratories, Biocon, Aurobindo Pharma, Natco and Torrent Pharmaceuticals among others. Zydus Lifesciences is working on a single pen device in multiple strengths, The Economic Times reported last month. It is also working on a novel formulation for semaglutide to commercialize in India and other markets. 'We are on track for day one launch in India," managing director Sharvil Patel told investors during an earnings call last month. Cipla, meanwhile, is eyeing the launch of GLP-1s through partnerships as well as through its own generic version. In a post-earnings media interaction recently, the company's managing director and global CEO Umang Vohra said: 'I think the biggest opportunity for us, at least, would continue to be the Indian market." Biocon has already launched another GLP-1, liraglutide, in India earlier this month. 'Our strategy is to offer liraglutide at competitive prices, aligned with local healthcare economics to maximize patient access in India," a company spokesperson told Mint in an email response. Biocon plans to launch semaglutide in India mid-next year, CEO Siddharth Mittal had told Mint in an earlier interview. The company now plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities to ensure supply reliability, it said in the emailed response. Sun Pharma and Mankind are also working on their own novel anti-obesity drugs. Sun Pharma is working on a novel GLP-1 GL0034 called utreglutide, which will likely be commercialized by the end of this decade. Mankind's drug candidate, GRP119, is currently in phase 2 trials in Australia. For the generic version of semaglutide, the company is banking on its salesforce and reach to give it a competitive edge, managing director Rajeev Juneja told Mint in an earlier interview. 'Any doctor would want to prescribe it, because now people know that there is something called Mounjaro, or semaglutide or Ozempic," Juneja said. 'We, by default, have a natural advantage because we have the deepest coverage, we have the maximum number of people working in each division," he added. Further, players like Divi's Laboratories, a manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and Syngene International, a contract research, development and manufacturing company, can also benefit from the gold rush. 'Divi's Laboratories will be a key beneficiary in GLP-1 manufacturing as it makes several components in the peptide sequence," Shrikant Akolkar, head of pharmaceutical research at Nuvama, a brokerage, said. OneSource Specialty Pharma, the contract development and manufacturing arm of Strides Pharma, is among the few companies with end-to-end capabilities for GLP-1s—from formulation to device assembly. 'The most complex part of the whole value chain is to assemble the pen devices," OneSource Pharma's CEO, Neeraj Sharma, told Mint during a recent interaction. Another company, Vadodara-based Shaily Engineering Plastics, says it is nearly doubling its manufacturing line to make injectable pens—from 45 million to 85 million—funded by customer advances. A caution Clearly, speed to market will separate the winners from the also-rans. 'Early movers among the Indian players stand a good chance to benefit from GLP-1," said Akolkar. A recent report by Nuvama put a buy on Dr. Reddy's and Divi's Laboratories and a hold on Natco Pharma based on their GLP-1 play. Nonetheless, some doctors fear misuse of the drug because of its popularity. A prescription for diabetic drugs can be written by any medical practitioner. Weight loss clinics in the unorganised sector could start dispensing the drug for cosmetic purposes. For instance, a person in her 20s, who is slightly overweight, may be tempted to use these drugs instead of trying to lose weight by making lifestyle changes. 'We need some regulations to prevent over-the-counter use for weight loss," Dr Muffazal Lakdawala said. 'It is a hormonal drug so you have to be a little careful."
Hans India
3 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Moodbidri to Celebrate Revival of Water Heritage with Book Launch on June 18
Moodbidri (Dakshina Kannada): In a significant step toward documenting and celebrating a decade-long grassroots environmental movement, the book 'Lakes and Tanks of Jaina Kashi—Moodbidri' will be officially released on June 18 in Moodbidri. The book captures the remarkable journey of a small heritage town in coastal Karnataka that has led a modern-day Bhagiratha effort to rejuvenate its ancient lakes and tanks. Located 32 km from Mangaluru, Moodbidri is known as Jaina Kashi for its centuries-old Jain heritage and architecture. But over the past few years, it has also emerged as a symbol of people-powered ecological revival. Of the town's 18 historically significant water bodies, 13 are currently under various stages of rejuvenation, with five already restored to their original vitality—just in time for the monsoon. The book, a collaborative initiative supported by the SBI Foundation, Rotary Club, CDD India, and several citizen groups, documents the town's struggle and success in reviving water bodies that had been forgotten or neglected for decades. It profiles community leaders, local activists, and environmental champions like Maqbool Hussain, Dr. Muralikrishna, P. Thomas Kurien, and Dr. Amrut Malla—whose tireless efforts made the transformation possible. The work was also facilitated by consistent support from the current MLA Umanath Kotian and former MLA K. Abhayachandra Jain. 'This is not just about reviving lakes. It's about restoring a town's ecological balance, reclaiming lost cultural spaces, and reducing dependency on overstressed sources like the Phalguni river,' said PK Thomas, one of the principal contributors to the movement and a key figure behind the documentation. The book offers vivid accounts of tanks like Bettkere, also known as Bhattaraka Kere, which dates back to the 12th century BC and has now been restored with the help of local citizens and guidance from the Archaeological Survey of India. Another landmark success is Mohalla Kere, once a garbage dump, revived by residents led by Maqbool Hussain through community mobilisation, manual labour, and scientific desilting. Rejuvenated water bodies like Kadalakere, Kemplaje Kere, and Basavanakaje have not only begun recharging groundwater levels but have also evolved into ecological hotspots, attracting birds and restoring green cover. 'We've seen a clear rise in water tables around these revived tanks. Hundreds of dug wells have water again,' Thomas said. The book also discusses the continued threats faced by water bodies in nearby areas like Karkala, where tanks such as Aane Kere and Sigadi Kere suffer from sewage inflow and unchecked weed growth. Yet, success stories like Endratta Kere and Hariyappana Kere show that sustainable restoration is achievable with local leadership and civic commitment. Looking ahead, the team has already identified Subhashnagar Kere as the next summer revival project, with support pledged by the Dharmasthala temple trust. Even neglected and partially lost tanks such as Ankasaley, Gowri Kere, and Kadedabettu are now being mapped and revived with renewed community interest. The book release on June 18 is expected to draw environmentalists, civic planners, students, and citizens from across the region, offering Moodbidri's revival model as a beacon for sustainable urban water management in small towns across India.
Memri
7 days ago
- Politics
- Memri
MEMRI Analysis Of The Iranian Regime Over The Past 12 Months
The following are Daily Briefs and Inquiry and Analysis pieces about Iran that MEMRI has published over the past 12 months as part of its Iran Studies Project, describing, among other things, Iran's plans for attacking Israel, proxies in the region, policies in Syria, antisemitism, hijab enforcement, relations with China, Russia, and North Korea, and push to become an AI superpower. MEMRI Daily Briefs There Is A Way To Counter Iran, Not Through War The Accelerating Collapse Of The Iranian Regime China May Help Iran And Pakistan Connect Chabahar With The Gwadar Ports Of Balochistan, Jeopardizing U.S. Interests In The Region Kurdistan As An Energy Alternative To Iran Balochistan: Two Steps Away From Independence From Pakistan; Once It Is Achieved, Pakistan Will Collapse; Iran Fears The Same Scenario The Axis Of Evil China, Russia, Iran, And North Korea: A Partnership Based Not On Principles But On Sheer Spite For The United States Iran's Dangerous Push To Become An AI Superpower Balochistan Liberation Charter: The Baloch National Struggle Is A Secular Movement Against The Islamic Republics Of Iran And Pakistan The U.S. Will Not Need To Be Involved In War If It Supports Secular Ethnic Groups Against The Iranian Ayatollah's Regime Only United Ethnic Groups Can Defeat The Islamic Republic Of Iran Dr. Aref Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer Of The Ahwaz: I Have A Dream – I Dream Of An Independent Ahwaz, Free Of Iranian Control Balochistan Is A Strategic Outpost For Countering The Islamic Republic Of Iran A Strategy For Regime Change In Iran: The Roadmap Toward Confederalism Regime Change In Iran Is Possible Only By Supporting Its Ethnic Minorities Renowned Baloch Leader Hyrbyair Marri: The Baloch Are Not A Minority In Iran, But Rather A Nation Under Iranian Occupation; Chinese And Pakistani Policies Are Catastrophic To The Baloch Nation All Eyes On Balochistan – Two Years Since The Islamic Republic Of Iran Killed Khudanoor Lajai Inquiry And Analysis The Iranian Shi'ite Regime's Built-In Religious Mechanisms For Dealing With Grave Military Threats: Tactical And Temporary Concessions – Which It Calls 'Heroic Flexibility' – That It Has Employed Several Times Since Its Establishment In 1979 Iranian Regime Officials And Mouthpieces: The Jews And Zionists Are 'Humanoid Creatures' Who Use Demons And Sorcery To Accomplish Their Goals Senior Iranian Regime Officials Claim Victory For The Iran-Led Resistance Axis, Saying The Palestinian Resistance Forced The Zionist Regime To Accept Ceasefire; Iran's Apologetic Explanation For The High Price Paid By Its Proxies: The Resistance Axis Was Merely Preemptively Defending Itself Against An Imminent Attack By Israel And The West The Brutalities Of The Islamic Republic Of Iran Against The Baloch People In 2024 The Free Balochistan Movement's 'Democratic Transitional Plan For Iran' Arab Media Figures Slam Hamas: It Is The Real Enemy Of The Gazans, A Subcontractor For Iran All Eyes On Balochistan – Remembering The Victims Killed By The Islamic Republic Of Iran In The Zahedan Massacre The Iranian Regime Looks Westward To Achieve Its Goals; In A Tactical Move, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Prepares The Ground For Dialogue With U.S. And Europe The Iranian Regime Continues To Violently Enforce The Hijab On Women – Despite The Public's Protests In Advance Of Revival Of U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks, Iranian Calls For Iran To Possess Nuclear Weapons Are Again Heard Deterred By Israel, Tehran Returns To Its Strategy Of Using Proxies And Extracting Gains From The U.S.; Iranian Regime Mouthpieces: Instead Of Reprisal Against Israel By Missile Strategy, We Must 'Create Insecurity In Tel Aviv And Other Central Places In Israel'; 'Sabotaging Sensitive Centers In Israel, Carrying Out Terror Attacks, And Even Assassinating Top Leaders Could Be A More Painful Response Than A Massive Missile Strike' The Iran-Backed Iraqi Militias – Another Component Of The Iranian Threat To Israel From The East And The North The Iranian Regime's Presidential Election Scam: The Regime Appears To Be Tripling The Turnout Figures – Actual Turnout Is 14% Iranization And Shi'ization In Syria: Iran Tightens Its Grip On The Country And Deepens Its Influence There
The Hindu
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Festival to honor Dr. H. Narasimhaiah in Bengaluru
The Bangalore Lalitha Kala Parishat will host a three-day cultural festival in memory of the renowned educationist and rationalist Dr. H. Narasimhaiah. The Dr. H. Narasimhaiah Memorial Cultural Festival will take place from June 11 to 13 at the Multimedia Hall, National College, Jayanagar, Bengaluru starting at 5 p.m. each day. The festival began on June 11 with devotional music by Chandana Muraleedhara and her ensemble. On June 12, audiences will be treated to a Carnatic classical music recital featuring compositions by the esteemed scholar Prof. S.K. Ramachandra Rao, performed by Brunda Rao. The cultural celebration will conclude on June 13 with a Bharatanatyam performance by students of the Shivoham School of Performing Arts, led by Anil V. Iyer .
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
'Turning 40? Here Are the Health Risks You Shouldn't Ignore in India'
Crossing the age of 40 is a significant milestone — personally and professionally. But it's also the time when your body starts giving you subtle signals that it needs a little more care. In India , where the demands of a fast-paced lifestyle often collide with traditional diets and habits, health risks can quietly build up. The good news? With just a little attention and awareness, most of these risks can be managed, if not completely avoided. Your Cholesterol: Not Just a Number Dr. ANIRUDHA MONDALInterventional & Clinical Cardiologist,DM (Cardiology), MD(General Medicine), Quote: 'Turning 40 is not a health decline-it's a wake-up call. Your heart has been working hard for decades. Support it with healthy habits, manage stress, and never ignore signs like fatigue or chest discomfort. Prevention begins with awareness'. For many Indians, cholesterol is one of those things they only think about when a doctor points it out during a health checkup. But the truth is, high cholesterol often builds up silently over the years and can lead to serious issues like heart attacks or strokes. Once you hit 40, it becomes essential to monitor your cholesterol levels more regularly. This is especially important if your diet has included a lot of fried food, red meat, sweets, or processed snacks over the years — which, let's face it, is the case for many of us. Add in genetics (South Asians are known to be more prone to high triglycerides), and the risk increases further. A simple blood test once a year can give you clarity. Combine that with small lifestyle changes — like eating more fiber, switching to healthier fats, and cutting down on oily street food — and you'll be well on your way to controlling it. Blood Pressure: The Quiet Creeper Dr. Rakesh KumarConsultant- Chief Interventional CardiologistDM (Cardiology) MD (Medicine) Quote: 'Post-40, Indian men often show elevated LDL with normal weight-a silent threat. Don't rely on appearance. Get annual lipid panels and consider statins if you have family history or diabetes. Prevention is cheaper than emergency care'. High blood pressure, or hypertension, doesn't usually announce its arrival. You might feel completely fine and still have dangerously high readings. That's what makes it so dangerous — and why doctors often call it a "silent killer." In India, the problem is compounded by high-salt diets, irregular sleep, and the growing pressures of urban life. Whether it's commuting stress, long hours at work, or the constant scroll of social media, it all adds up. If you're in your 40s, it's a smart idea to check your blood pressure regularly — even if you feel perfectly healthy. Devices at home can help, or just make it part of your routine health checkup. Reducing salt, staying physically active, and even taking a few minutes each day to unwind with deep breathing can go a long way. Your Lifestyle: Small Habits, Big Impact Dr. Sravan Kumar PeravaliConsultant Cardiology, MD, DM (Cardiology) Quote: 'Metabolic syndrome, seen frequently in urban Indian adults post-40, significantly increases the risk of heart attacks. Waist size, fasting glucose, HDL, and triglycerides are crucial markers. Routine health checks can help manage these before complications set in'. This is usually the age when the body starts reacting to years of habits — both good and bad. You might find it harder to lose weight. Energy levels may dip. Sleep might not feel as restful. These aren't random changes. They're your body telling you to slow down and reassess. The typical Indian urban lifestyle — long work hours, late meals, minimal physical movement, and a reliance on quick fixes like caffeine or packaged food — doesn't do us any favors after 40. Making a few consistent changes can have a big impact. Start with prioritizing home-cooked meals. Cut down on unnecessary alcohol, and if you smoke, this is the best time to quit. Getting seven to eight hours of sleep might feel like a luxury, but it's actually a necessity now. Your Activity Levels: Are You Moving Enough? Dr. Elayaraja PMD, DM Cardiology Quote: 'Many heart attacks happen without warning-but most are preventable. After 40, consider your lifestyle as medicine. Daily walks, mindful eating, less sugar, and annual heart checkups are your strongest protection against one of the most preventable diseases.' One of the most underestimated risk factors after 40 is physical inactivity. Most of us are tied to our desks all day, and by the time work ends, fatigue often keeps us glued to the couch. But staying active doesn't always mean hitting the gym. A 30-minute brisk walk, cycling on weekends, or even playing with your kids in the park can do wonders. Strength training twice a week can also help preserve muscle mass, which naturally begins to decline in this decade. If you've been inactive for a while, start small. Take the stairs. Walk during phone calls. Set reminders to stretch every hour. The idea is simple: the more you move, the better you'll feel — physically and mentally. Tone@40: Your Wake-Up Call to Prioritize Health Dr. ANAND RAMConsultant – Interventional CardiologistMD(Medicine), DM Cardiology Quote: 'Stress, poor sleep, and sedentary habits take a toll after 40. Heart disease doesn't appear overnight-it builds over time. Address risk factors early. Your heart has been loyal to you; now it's your turn to be loyal to it.' Your 40s aren't just about midlife—they're about setting the tone for the decades ahead. Think of this stage as your Tone@40 moment: a conscious reset for your body, mind, and lifestyle. Whether it's paying attention to your cholesterol, monitoring your blood pressure, staying active, or simply making time to breathe and sleep better — these changes will define how vibrant and healthy your next chapters will be. In India, we often view health as something to worry about only when things go wrong. But your Tone@40 is all about being proactive — about listening to your body before it starts shouting. Start now, start small, and build habits that last. Your future self will thank you. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and ET Healthworld hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
