Natco Pharma Launches Affordable Generic Version of Semaglutide, Priced at ₹1,290 Per Month

Natco Pharma Launches Generic Semaglutide, Priced 90% Lower Than Original

Company Overview

Natco Pharma, a Hyderabad-based drugmaker, has launched its generic version of semaglutide, a weight-loss drug, at a significantly lower price point than the original innovator brand. The company has priced its semaglutide injection starting at ₹1,290 per month in vial dosage form.

Market Impact

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The launch of Natco's generic semaglutide is expected to spark an intense pricing war in India's pharmaceutical sector. Analysts anticipate the pricing of the drug to drop by half for the generic versions as competition for the market will be intense. Other companies, including Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, and Zydus Lifesciences, are also expected to introduce their versions of semaglutide on Saturday.

Product Details

Natco will launch semaglutide under the Semanat and Semafull brands. The multi-dose vials will be priced at ₹1,290 per month for 2 mg/1.5 ml and 4 mg/3 ml and ₹1,750 for 8 mg/3 ml. The company will also launch a pen device in April, priced at ₹4,000 for 2 mg/1.5ml, ₹4,200 for 4 mg/3 ml, and ₹4,500 per month for 8 mg/3 ml.

Partnership and Market Size

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Natco has a partnership with Eris Lifesciences to sell generic semaglutide, and the company's brand Sundae will be priced at the same rate for the starting dose. The GLP-1 market in India, which includes semaglutide brands and tirzepatide, has grown to over ₹1,400 crore in just a year of the brands being launched in the country. CareEdge Ratings estimates the market will grow fivefold in the next five years.

Regulatory Approval

Natco received the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation's approval to manufacture and market generic semaglutide in India in February. The company will sell the drug directly and also offer it to third parties for co-marketing.