With the expiry of the Indian patent covering popular weight loss drug Novo Nordisk's semaglutide, NATCO Pharma on revealed the prices of Semaglutide injection in the Indian market, the company informed in an exchange filing on Friday, March 20.
The Indian drugmaker received Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) approval to manufacture and market generic Semaglutide in India in February this year for multi-dose vials and pen devices. It will launch Semaglutide injection in the form of multi-dose vials of strengths 2mg/1.5ml, 4mg/3ml, and 8mg/3ml under the brand names SEMANATTM and SEMAFULLTM.
How much does NATCO's Semaglutide cost?
NATCO's Semaglutide multi-dose vials will be launched at a price of Rs 1,290 per month for 2 mg/1.5ml and 4mg/3ml, while 8mg/3ml will cost Rs 1,750. The pen device will be priced at Rs 4,000, Rs 4,200, and Rs 4,500 per month for dosage of 2mg/1.5ml, 4mg/3ml, and 8mg/3ml, respectively. The device is likely to be launched in April this year.
Currently, NATCO is offering the cheapest GLP-1 in the Indian market, as it is approximately 70% cheaper in cost than the pen device and 90% cheaper than the price of the innovator's brand, the company said.
This will increase patient accessibility to the GLP-1 therapy and would help in long term compliance for
Additionally, NATCO will offer the product to third parties for co-marketing.
ALSO READ: Ozempic Patent Ends On March 20 And A Generic Deluge Is Coming Forcing Prices To Fall
Whom does Semaglutide cater to?
The drugmaker said that semaglutide is recommended for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
However, Semaglutide has also led to HbA1c reduction, resulting in weight-loss benefits, and proven risk reduction of cardiovascular and kidney events, according to reports. Some reported side effects include pancreatitis and kidney and gallbladder problems.
Novo's Patent Expiry
Novo Nordisk's Indian patent of semaglutide, the molecule sold globally as Ozempic and Wegovy, is set to expire today. This means that Indian generic drug companies will be allowed to manufacture and retail generic drugs that are identical to and provide the same function as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Several Indian drugmakers have secured approvals from the drug regulator and have publicly committed to launch their version of the drug following the patent expiry. Pharma giants, including Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Biocon Ltd and Lupin Ltd., among others, are at the forefront of the Semiglutife race.
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