Natco Pharma is set to launch a generic version of semaglutide in India at a sharply reduced price, signalling the start of an intense price competition in the diabetes and weight-loss drug segment.

The company has priced its generic semaglutide at around ?1,290 per month for its multi-dose vial format, making it nearly 90 Percent cheaper than the original branded versions. This steep price cut comes immediately after the patent expiry of the drug’s innovator, Novo Nordisk, opening the market for generic players.

Natco’s product will be sold under brand names such as Semanat and Semafull, with multiple dosage strengths available. The company has opted for a vial-based format, which is significantly more affordable compared to pen devices typically used for such therapies.

Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is widely used for managing type 2 diabetes and is also gaining popularity for weight management. With India having a large patient base for both conditions, the launch is expected to expand access to advanced therapies that were previously out of reach for many due to high costs.

The move is also expected to trigger a broader price war in the market, with several other Indian drugmakers preparing to introduce their own generic versions. Increased competition could further drive down prices and improve affordability across the segment.

Natco has already received regulatory approval from India’s drug regulator to manufacture and market the product. The company also plans to offer the drug for co-marketing partnerships, which could help expand its reach across the country.

Overall, the launch marks a significant shift in the Indian pharmaceutical landscape, with high-cost therapies becoming more accessible and potentially reshaping treatment patterns for chronic metabolic conditions.