Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories plans to launch a generic version of Novo Nordisk’s popular weight-loss drug Wegovy in 87 countries next year, focusing initially on emerging markets.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, an India-based pharmaceutical company, announced plans to introduce a generic version of Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster weight-loss medication, Wegovy, to 87 countries in the following year. This strategic move, disclosed by CEO Erez Israeli, signals the company’s ambitions to capture a significant portion of the burgeoning global obesity drug market, projected to be worth approximately $150 billion by the early 2030s.
Initially, Dr. Reddy’s intends to release its generic semaglutide version—the active component in Wegovy and the diabetes treatment Ozempic—in countries such as Canada, India, Brazil, and Turkey, among various other emerging markets. This rollout is contingent upon the expiration of relevant patents, Israeli highlighted during a press conference discussing the firm’s earnings. He further noted that while the U.S. and European markets would open to these generics later, full access to other Western markets was expected between 2029 and 2033.
The company anticipates that sales of their generic drug will generate “hundreds of millions of dollars,” according to Israeli. The patent for semaglutide is expected to expire in multiple countries, including India in March of next year. Notably, in May, Novo Nordisk filed a lawsuit against Dr. Reddy’s, alleging infringement of its semaglutide patent, according to documents reviewed by Reuters.
Dr. Reddy’s has already submitted the necessary regulatory applications in all countries where it plans to launch the generic version. This aggressive expansion strategy aligns with broader industry trends, as several Indian pharmaceutical companies—including Cipla, Lupin, Biocon, and Sun Pharma—also aim to launch generic weight-loss medications, mirroring the success of Novo and its U.S. competitor, Eli Lilly.
Recently, Novo launched Wegovy in India, closely following Eli Lilly’s introduction of Mounjaro for weight-loss and diabetes management. Both Wegovy and Mounjaro belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help manage blood sugar levels and slow digestion, contributing to prolonged feelings of satiety.
In addition to Wegovy’s generic, Dr. Reddy’s aims to launch 26 other GLP-1 drugs over the next decade as part of its long-term strategy, Israeli revealed. This expansion indicates the company’s proactive approach in capitalizing on the rapidly growing segment of obesity and diabetes treatments.
These developments underscore Dr. Reddy’s commitment to broadening its footprint in the global pharmaceutical market while addressing the escalating demand for affordable obesity medications.