Eli Lilly Loses Five-Point Market Share in India after 26 Generic Launches
India's GLP-1 weight-loss market saw 26 semaglutide generics from 13 manufacturers launch in March after semaglutide patent expiry, driving Eli Lilly's share down from 61% to 56%. Novo Nordisk cut branded semaglutide prices by 38% for Ozempic and 48% for Wegovy to narrow the gap with generics.
1. Generic Semaglutide Floods India Market
March saw 26 semaglutide generics from 13 Indian manufacturers launch immediately following patent expiry, offering entry-level pricing near 4,200 rupees per month and undercutting branded therapies.
2. Lilly's Tirzepatide Share Declines
Eli Lilly's higher-priced tirzepatide brands lost five percentage points of market share, falling from 61% to 56%, as cost-sensitive patients shifted to cheaper semaglutide options.
3. Novo Nordisk Price Reductions
Novo Nordisk slashed Ozempic prices by 38% and Wegovy prices by 48%, setting entry-level tariffs at 5,660 rupees monthly and narrowing the cost gap with generics.
4. Implications for Large Patient Base
With roughly 100 million diabetics and one in four Indians overweight, the surge of low-cost generics could reshape treatment uptake and challenge premium-priced therapies.