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What changed for Ozempic when semaglutide's patent expired in India?

Ozempic's price cut, the generics that arrived, Novo Nordisk's second brands, the July 2026 recalls and what regulators have said.

GLP Guidebook teamPublished 5 Oct 202610 min read22 sourcesWritten from published sources

Written for India. Reading from the US? US versionComing soon

The short answer

Semaglutide is the medicine in Ozempic and Wegovy. Novo Nordisk's key remaining Indian patent on it expired on 20 March 2026. Indian companies launched cheaper generic versions within a day. Novo then cut Ozempic and Wegovy prices by up to 48%. Semaglutide still needs a prescription, and its side effects are the same.

Key takeaways

  • Semaglutide's key Indian patent expired on 20 March 2026, and generic versions from Indian companies went on sale on 20 and 21 March.3,4
  • News counts of generic semaglutide grew from at least 17 versions on 31 March to more than 50 CDSCO-approved products by 10 July 2026.5,15
  • Novo Nordisk cut the price of the Ozempic and Wegovy starting dose to ₹5,660 a month from 1 April 2026, down from ₹8,800 and ₹10,848.5,17
  • In July 2026, Dr Reddy's and Torrent recalled some batches of generic semaglutide, and USV did too according to industry sources.15
  • Semaglutide is still prescription-only: a government statement of 1 April 2026 says GLP-1 medicines cannot be bought over the counter.7
Before you go further
  • GLP‑1 medicines such as semaglutide are prescription-only in India, not sold over the counter.7
  • A government statement on 1 Apr 2026 said only endocrinologists, internal-medicine specialists and cardiologists can prescribe them.7,19 CDSCO expert-committee minutes attach a similar condition to some approvals (endocrinologist or internal-medicine specialist), but we found no rule covering every brand.20,21
  • The risks are the same for every brand: Guide 5.
  • Some generic batches were recalled in July 2026 (details below).15
  • No price here promises a result or recommends a brand.
On this page
  1. What exactly expired on 20 March 2026?
  2. Is Ozempic still sold in India, and at what price now?
  3. How many companies now make semaglutide in India?
  4. How much did prices fall?
  5. How did Novo Nordisk respond?
  6. Are the generics safe, and what have regulators said?
  7. What hasn't changed?
  8. Questions people ask
  9. How we researched this

What exactly expired on 20 March 2026?

Novo Nordisk's key remaining Indian patent on semaglutide, the medicine in Ozempic, ran out on 20 March 2026. Rivals could then launch their own versions.1,3

Semaglutide is the medicine inside Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus.1 An older, broader "genus" patent (No. 275964) had already expired on 17 September 2024. The patent covering the semaglutide compound itself, No. 262697, ran until 20 March 2026.22

Indian companies were ready before that date. The Delhi High Court let Dr Reddy's make semaglutide and export it, but barred sales in India until March 2026.1 Sun Pharma got the same ruling.2

Natco launched on 20 March itself.3 Dr Reddy's, Zydus, Alkem, Sun Pharma and Glenmark launched on 21 March, calling it "Day 1 entry".4 If you only need the date, our short answer is When did semaglutide's patent expire in India?

Is Ozempic still sold in India, and at what price now?

Yes. Novo Nordisk still sells Ozempic for type 2 diabetes in three strengths, at ₹5,660–9,100 a month since 1 April 2026.2,5,17

Ozempic launched here in December 2025 as a once-weekly injection for type 2 diabetes.2 It comes in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1 mg strengths.2 In India, Wegovy is Novo's semaglutide brand for obesity and weight management.5

Novo announced the cut on 30 March 2026, and it took effect on 1 April.5,17 Novo says the 0.25 mg starting dose now costs ₹1,415 a week, including taxes.17 Before the cut, the three strengths cost ₹8,800–11,175 a month.5

Ozempic is also sold under a second name. Abbott sells the same Novo-made medicine for type 2 diabetes as Extensior.11 For the price of each strength and how doses step up, see our short answer, Is Ozempic available in India?

How many companies now make semaglutide in India?

We found no official count from the regulator. News reports counted at least 17 generic versions by 31 March and more than 50 by July.5,15

17+generic versions on sale, 31 Mar 20265
25+generic versions, 19 May 202614
50+CDSCO-approved generic products, 10 Jul 202615

These counts are of products. One company can sell the same medicine under several names. Zydus sells three, and Lupin sells Zydus's version under two more.4

Dr Reddy's, Zydus, Alkem and Glenmark each report their own approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).4 Alkem says its approval followed Phase 3 trials run in India.4 BusinessToday reports that Natco's approval followed a clinical comparison study.3

Approved uses differ by brand. Dr Reddy's Obeda is for type 2 diabetes, while Zydus's version is approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity.4 Forms differ too: reusable pens, dose-specific vials and tablets.5 Our short answer Is semaglutide the same as Ozempic? explains how the medicine and the brand differ.

We list the makers, forms and MRPs, without ranking them, in The semaglutide generics in India. Until then, Guide 6 explains brand versus generic.

How much did prices fall?

Generic launch prices ran from ₹1,290 to ₹8,000 a month, by maker and dose. Novo then cut its own starting-dose prices by up to 48%.3,5

MedicineBeforeAfterSource
Ozempic (Novo Nordisk, type 2 diabetes)₹8,800–11,175₹5,660–9,100Business Standard, 31 Mar 20265
Wegovy (Novo Nordisk, weight)₹10,850–16,400₹5,660–16,400Business Standard, 31 Mar 20265
Poviztra (Novo's second brand, sold by Emcure)From ₹8,790₹3,999–8,999, from 3 Apr 2026Medical Dialogues, 5 Feb and 4 Apr 20269,8
Generic semaglutide (many makers)Not sold in India₹1,290–8,000 at launchBusinessToday, 20 Mar 2026; Business Standard, 31 Mar 20263,5

Monthly prices from the named reports, lowest to highest dose, checked 5 Oct 2026. The generic range is not a ranking, and no pharmacy prices are used.

The biggest cuts were at the starting dose. Wegovy 0.25 mg fell from ₹10,848 to ₹5,660 a month, but its top dose stayed at ₹16,400.5

A worked example. A year of Ozempic 1 mg is 52 weekly doses, or 13 four-dose pens. That was 13 × ₹11,175 = ₹1,45,275 before the cut, and 13 × ₹9,100 = ₹1,18,300 after.5 A year at Wegovy's 2.4 mg dose costs 13 × ₹16,400 = ₹2,13,200, as before.5

Part of the reason is a cheaper raw ingredient. It fell from about USD 1,000 a gram two years ago to about USD 125, says an Economic Times report.13 One industry director forecast that a month at low doses could fall to about ₹500.13 That is a forecast.

On 31 March, Novo said it was not planning a similar cut for Rybelsus, its tablet.5

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How did Novo Nordisk respond?

Novo Nordisk cut prices, added second brands sold by Indian partners, and argued its long track record sets it apart.5,6

  • Jun 2025Wegovy launches in India.10
  • 11 Nov 2025Wegovy cut by up to 37%; the 0.25 mg dose falls to ₹10,850 a month.10
  • Dec 2025Ozempic launches for type 2 diabetes; the 0.25 mg starting dose costs ₹2,200 a week.2 Emcure launches Poviztra, a second brand of Novo's semaglutide for weight.9
  • 27 Feb 2026Abbott announces Extensior, a second brand of Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, made by Novo.11
  • 20–21 Mar 2026The patent expires and generics launch.3,4
  • 30 Mar 2026Novo announces starting-dose cuts of 36% for Ozempic and 48% for Wegovy, effective 1 April.5,12,17
  • 3 Apr 2026Poviztra cut to ₹3,999–8,999 a month.8

The second brands widen Novo's reach. Abbott says its brand expands access "beyond regions Novo Nordisk currently serves".11 Emcure says it is focusing on heart doctors (cardiologists), while Novo focuses on diabetes specialists.9

Novo's India head said its quality control and safety record set it apart from newer makers.6 That is the company's own claim. We found no public data comparing each generic with the original.

The cuts seem to have lifted Novo's sales. Its semaglutide brands sold 32,000 units in April, up 40% on March, according to market researcher Pharmarack.12 The whole GLP-1 market grew faster, by 56% to 414,000 units.12

Generics still sell far more. In June 2026, they made up 82% of semaglutide units sold, and the original brands 18%, Medical Dialogues reports.15

Are the generics safe, and what have regulators said?

Generics contain the same medicine and have their own approvals. But in July 2026, Dr Reddy's and Torrent recalled some batches over quality, and reportedly USV too.4,15

Dr Reddy's recalled some Obeda batches. They failed testing because of an impurity in the active ingredient, found as production was scaled up.15 Torrent recalled some 2 mg and 4 mg Semalix pens that Dr Reddy's had made.15 USV recalled some Usema batches, according to industry sources.15

Dr Reddy's said there were "no patient safety concerns".15 It expected its supply in India to stay disrupted "until at least late October".15 Its chief executive spoke on 22 July. He said supply should be back by late October or early November "if everything goes well".18

We found no newer price cut or recall in named news reports as of 5 October 2026.

Here is what the regulator and the government have said since the expiry:

  • 1 April 2026: the government said 49 businesses had been inspected. They included online pharmacy warehouses, wholesalers, retailers and weight-loss clinics. Rule-breakers were sent notices.7
  • It warned of "license cancellation, fines, and legal action" for businesses that break the rules.7
  • 19 May 2026: the Drugs Controller General, Rajeev Raghuvanshi, described "a nationwide enforcement drive" with state licensing authorities.14
  • The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) wrote to states and union territories. It asked them to watch ads and social media for hidden promotion.14
  • State level: Haryana's Food and Drug Administration seized fake Mounjaro, a different GLP-1 medicine, in Gurugram.14

Most of these actions target how the medicines are sold and promoted. We found no CDSCO statement comparing the quality of different generics.

RisksThe risks, in brief: the same for every brand
  • Stomach effects are common. In the Wegovy 2.4 mg trials, 44% felt sick (nausea), against 16% on a dummy injection.16
  • Pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas): severe stomach pain that won't go away, sometimes spreading to the back.16
  • Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones.16
  • Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea can hurt the kidneys.16
  • Thyroid warning: ruled out by the US label for people with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2; tell your doctor if this applies. Not in pregnancy: stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.16
Full detail in Guide 5: Side effects and risks →
Get help now: call 112 for severe stomach pain that won't go away, with or without vomiting. It can be pancreatitis.16

What hasn't changed?

Semaglutide still needs a prescription, still can't be advertised to you, and carries the same risks whichever company makes it.7,14,16

  • Prescription only. The 1 April statement says GLP-1 medicines "cannot be purchased over the counter".7 Who can prescribe is in the box near the top of this post. Guide 6 covers what that means for your doctor.
  • No ads. A 10 March advisory told makers to stop promotion that could encourage use without a prescription.7 A 27 March circular warned of action under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.14
  • Approved uses. Ozempic is for diabetes and Wegovy for weight.5 Each generic is approved for its own uses.4
  • If you take Ozempic now. The government says GLP-1 medicines should be taken only under a doctor's supervision, so a doctor decides any change of brand.19 A generic may be approved for different uses, and the risks are the same.4,16
  • Insurance. BusinessToday reports insurance regulator (IRDAI) data showing obesity-related medicines are largely excluded from retail health policies.6

If you have type 2 diabetes, the diabetes path puts these medicines next to metformin and insulin.

Questions people ask

When did semaglutide's patent expire in India?

On 20 March 2026. Generic versions went on sale on 20 and 21 March.3,4

Is Ozempic cheaper in India now?

Yes. Novo Nordisk announced a cut on 30 March 2026, effective 1 April. Ozempic now costs ₹5,660–9,100 a month, down from ₹8,800–11,175.5,17

Is generic semaglutide the same as Ozempic?

It is the same medicine, made by another company with its own approval. Approved uses vary by brand, and some batches were recalled in July 2026.4,15

Do you need a prescription for generic semaglutide?

Yes. The government said on 1 April 2026 that GLP-1 medicines cannot be bought over the counter.7

How many generic semaglutide brands are there in India?

We found no official count. Reports counted at least 17 versions by 31 March 2026 and more than 50 CDSCO-approved products by July.5,15

How we researched this

We opened every news report, company release and court report listed below on 5 October 2026. Prices are as a named, dated source reported them. We used no pharmacy selling prices. The risk figures come from the US Wegovy label, not the Indian one. We could not find the Indian label online.

We could not confirm an official count of approved makers. We found two claims only on aggregator sites, so we left them out. One was a July 2026 counterfeit alert passed to states. The other was a planned national quality standard for semaglutide. The recall reports we read gave no batch numbers.

Before you move on

  • The key patent expired on 20 March 2026, and generics launched within a day.
  • Prices fell most at starting doses. Wegovy's top dose did not change.
  • Some generic batches were recalled in July 2026.
  • Semaglutide is still prescription-only, and the risks are the same for every brand.
Side effects and risksI have type 2 diabetesCost calculator

More from the India blog

INIndiaComing soonThe semaglutide generics in India: makers, forms and MRPs INIndiaComing soonWegovy vs Ozempic: same medicine, different brand? INIndiaComing soonFake Ozempic and Mounjaro pens: how to check yours in India
About GLP Guidebook

The monthly India update

An independent guide to GLP‑1 medicines. We don't sell medicines, take drug-company money or earn clinic commissions. Once a month: new brands, price changes, approvals and recalls. How we write

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Sources

  1. Outlook India. Delhi HC allows Dr Reddy's to export semaglutide but blocks India sales until March 2026. 2 December 2025. Link
  2. Business Standard. Novo Nordisk launches Ozempic in India at ₹2,200/week amid patent battles. 12 December 2025. Link
  3. BusinessToday (Neetu Chandra Sharma). NATCO opens semaglutide market at ₹1,290, sets early price benchmark. 20 March 2026. Link
  4. Pearce IP. Generic semaglutide launches in India, including by Dr Reddy's, Zydus, Alkem, Sun Pharma and Glenmark. 21 March 2026. Link
  5. Business Standard. As generics wave builds up, Novo Nordisk slashes Ozempic, Wegovy prices. 31 March 2026. Link
  6. BusinessToday (Neetu Chandra Sharma). Novo further cuts semaglutide prices as generics enter India. 31 March 2026. Link
  7. Outlook India. Govt cracks down on unauthorised sale of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, warns of legal action (government statement). 1 April 2026. Link
  8. Medical Dialogues (Parthika Patel). Emcure Pharma cuts Poviztra price by 55%, starting dose now ₹3,999 per month. 4 April 2026. Link
  9. Medical Dialogues (Parthika Patel). Emcure beats 9 rivals to secure second semaglutide brand from Novo Nordisk for India. 5 February 2026. Link
  10. Business Standard. Novo Nordisk cuts weight-loss drug Wegovy prices by up to 37% in India. 11 November 2025. Link
  11. Abbott India. Abbott partners with Novo Nordisk India to launch Extensior, broadening access to semaglutide (Ozempic) for advanced diabetes management. Press release, 27 February 2026. Link
  12. GuruFocus via Yahoo Finance (Khac Phu Nguyen). Novo Nordisk India sales jump 40% as generic pressure builds (citing Pharmarack data first reported by Bloomberg). 8 May 2026. Link
  13. Medical Dialogues (Parthika Patel). Generic semaglutide therapy cost in India may drop to Rs 500 a month: report (citing The Economic Times). 15 May 2026. Link
  14. Business Standard (Sanket Koul). CDSCO asks states, UTs to monitor surrogate promotion for GLP-1 drugs. 19 May 2026. Link
  15. Medical Dialogues (Farhat Nasim). Recalls by Dr Reddy's, Torrent put spotlight on quality standards in India's semaglutide market. 10 July 2026. Link
  16. Novo Nordisk. Wegovy (semaglutide) prescribing information, revised June 2026 (US label, not the Indian one): boxed warning, sections 5.2–5.5, Table 3. PDF
  17. Novo Nordisk India announcement, via BioSpectrum India. Novo Nordisk India sets patient-centred price of Rs 202/day for starting dose of Ozempic and Wegovy. 31 March 2026. Link
  18. Business Standard. Dr Reddy's Labs Q1FY27 results: net profit plunges 69% to ₹443 crore. 22 July 2026. Link
  19. PIB Research (Government of India). GLP-1 drugs: use, risks, and regulation. 1 April 2026. Key takeaways and "Regulation of GLP-1 drugs". PDF
  20. CDSCO. Recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee (Endocrinology & Metabolism), 100th meeting, 20–21 April 2023. Item 1, tirzepatide (Eli Lilly). PDF · archived copy
  21. CDSCO. Recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee (Endocrinology & Metabolism), 13–14 February 2024. Items 3–4, semaglutide (Novo Nordisk). PDF · archived copy
  22. Delhi High Court. Novo Nordisk A/S v. Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd & Anr, CS(COMM) 565/2025, judgment of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, 2 December 2025. Paras 4–6 (patent 262697: filed 20 March 2006, term ends 20 March 2026, claims semaglutide), 14.2 and 14.20 (genus patent 275964, expired 17 September 2024). Copy hosted by Medical Dialogues. PDF

Last checked 5 Oct 2026 · Next review due 5 Apr 2027 · Report an error

How this post was made. Written by the GLP Guidebook team from the sources above. It's general information, not medical advice. Talk to a qualified doctor before starting, stopping or changing any medicine. How we write