Zydus Lifesciences announced plans to launch its innovative Semaglutide Injection (15 mg/3 ml) immediately upon the patent expiry of the drug in India, specifically on February 25, 2026. The drug will be marketed under three brand names: SEMAGLYN, MASHEMA, and ALTERME. A key differentiator is Zydus’s novel, reusable, patient-friendly delivery pen device, which offers dose adjustability, aiming to enhance adherence and reduce therapy costs.
Zydus Announces Semaglutide Launch on Patent Expiry
Zydus Lifesciences Limited confirmed its intention to launch its proprietary Semaglutide Injection in India immediately following the patent expiry of the drug. The launch is scheduled for Day 1 of patent expiry, expanding patient access to critical GLP-1 therapy for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has already approved the manufacturing and marketing of the injection.
Innovative Drug Delivery System
The company highlighted that its offering includes a significant technological advantage: a novel, indigenously developed drug-delivery system. Zydus has secured exclusive rights to this device. Unlike existing treatments requiring multiple single-dose pens during dose titration, Zydus will introduce an innovative, adjustable single-pen device. This reusable pen allows patients to seamlessly select and administer varying dose strengths from one unit, which is expected to maximize convenience and drastically reduce the overall cost of therapy.
The drug will be introduced under the following brand names: SEMAGLYN™, MASHEMA™, and ALTERME™.
Management Commentary on Patient Care
Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Limited, stated that this launch is part of the company’s commitment to patient-centric innovation. He emphasized that by introducing a first-of-its-kind drug delivery mechanism in India, Zydus aims to simplify treatment, which will subsequently drive better long-term adherence and significantly improved clinical outcomes for patients.
Public Health Context
The announcement referenced significant health statistics in India. According to the International Diabetes Federation, there are 8.9 crore adults with diabetes in India (10.5% of the total adult population). Furthermore, the prevalence of obesity is rising rapidly, with adult prevalence increasing by 91 per cent among women and 146 per cent among men over recent reporting periods, signaling a nationwide health crisis.
Source: BSE
