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From Semaglip, Sematop, Semakind to Semastrike, Semaglin, and Semaril, the pipeline of upcoming Ozempic imitators looks like variations of the semaglutide molecule.
Boxes of Ozempic and Vegovy, made by Novo Nordisk, are seen in a pharmacy. File photo/Reuters
If there is one prefix that is likely to dominate Prescriptions This may be “SEMA” in the coming months in India.
With key patents surrounding semaglutide – the blockbuster molecule behind drugs like ozempic and vegovi-It is set to expire in India next week, with Indian drug companies set to launch their own versions. Industry insiders say more than 50 brands are preparing to launch, and a strange pattern is emerging: Most of them start with the same four letters.
From Semaglip, Sematop, Semakind, Semester, Semaglide and Semalup to Semastrike, Semaglin, Semaril, Semapride, Semalup and Semalix, the pipeline of upcoming copycat versions of Ozempic reads almost like variations on the original molecule – semaglutide. In fact, the industry estimates that approximately 80-85 percent of brands preparing for launch begin with “Sema”, which reflects how companies link their brand names directly to semaglutide. While many companies have chosen “sema” as a prefix, others have reversed the formula – turning it into a suffix. Brand names such as Trusema, Glucema, Obesema and Zepsema reflect another variation of the same naming strategy built around the molecule.
The naming trend underlines the scale of competition expected once generics enter the market. At least 54 companies are ready with the brand name. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the molecule has been on the market for nearly a decade and has garnered millions of patient-years of experience worldwide, making it one of the most widely used GLP-1 therapies. The patent is expected to expire on March 21.
Globally, semaglutide – marketed as Ozempic and Vegovy – has reshaped the obesity treatment landscape, with the drug garnering widespread attention after celebrities and influencers began openly discussing the use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.
For Indian drug manufacturers, patent expiration represents both an opportunity and a technological challenge. Unlike traditional pills, semaglutide is a complex peptide therapy, often delivered via injectable pen, which requires advanced manufacturing capabilities and stringent quality controls. Both companies and endocrinologists told News18 that although many players may enter the market, differentiation will depend on the quality of the formulation, delivery devices and supply capacity.
According to most estimates, with increased competition, prices will halve. Systematics Institutional Equities in its report on “Generic Semaglutide” expects the adoption of GLP-1 therapy among diabetic patients to increase rapidly following the launch of the generic semaglutide version, driven by the affordable price point – potentially 30% to 50% lower than the current level. “Over time, prices could decline by 70%-75% from current levels.” Currently, the weekly dose of Ozempic 1 mg injection is priced at Rs 11,135, which is expected to be priced between Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000 after patent expiry. After a few months, according to estimates, the cost could come down to around Rs 2,500 per week.
Here, the conservative estimate is around at least a 30% price decline. Gauri Pathak, head of Ipsos Healthcare, India, said, “With the loss of semaglutide’s exclusivity, prices are expected to soften. Even a 20-30% lower price could be enough to meaningfully lower the affordability barrier, potentially making GLP-1 therapy accessible to many more patients.”
Repetition of the Sitagliptin Playbook
The rush is also drawing comparisons with previous blockbuster diabetes drugs, which saw similar growth for competing brands. Rajiv Singhal, general secretary of the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), said the market saw a comparable scramble when sitagliptin lost exclusivity and several Indian companies launched their own versions. According to him, a similar competitive wave is now expected with semaglutide, with all types of companies, from small companies to large pharmaceutical players, preparing to capture market share. Additionally, he said the association has advised its members not to dispense the drug without a doctor’s prescription in the interest of public safety.
Doctors say wider availability could also improve access. “A wise physician will use an appropriate and standard brand. Certainly, health professionals will have more flexibility to introduce these medicines in people from economically weaker sections. Wide availability will also be important,” said Anup Mishra, chairman, Fortis C-DOC Hospital for Diabetes and Allied Sciences, New Delhi.
Pharma companies ready for ‘SEMA’ race
Pharmaceutical companies preparing to enter the market say that this could have a major impact on access. Many pharmaceutical companies, including Alkem, Mankind, Ajanta Pharma, Zydus Healthcare, Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Micro Labs, Glenmark, Lupine, Sun Pharma, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, Acmes, Dr Reddy’s, Torrent, Cipla and Alembic are in the race.
As prices fall with generic competition, doctors may be able to prescribe the therapy to a larger group of patients struggling with diabetes and obesity.
Samit Mehta, whole-time director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, says the increased availability of treatments targeting obesity is important given the scale of the problem. “Obesity is one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time, and more solutions to help combat this disease is a good thing for patients,” he said, noting that semaglutide has already seen widespread global use and its products have millions of patient-years of experience.
Several companies told News18 that they are preparing to launch their versions soon after the patent expires. Kirti Ganorkar, managing director of Sun Pharma, said the company plans to be present from “day one of the generic rollout” and intends to offer semaglutide in both the key indications – chronic weight management and type-2 diabetes. He said the company’s products will be offered in pre-filled pen formats and the focus will be on ensuring adequate supply as demand increases.
Other companies are also betting on the therapy’s potential in tackling metabolic diseases in India. Vijay Charlu, president of Corona Remedies’ domestic business, described semaglutide as a significant advancement in the management of metabolic disorders and said the company is preparing to launch the therapy through “a strategic partnership model shortly after patent expiration” with an emphasis on improving access to high-quality treatment options.
Also, manufacturers caution that producing semaglutide is much more complex than manufacturing traditional generics. Saurabh Aggarwal, director of HAB Pharmaceutical and Research, said peptide drugs involve complex synthetic chemicals and stringent impurity controls, while injectable pens are regulated as drug-device combinations. As more companies enter the market, quality differentiation will become important, he said, even as competition improves affordability and expands reach in India and export markets.
Improvement possible in Indian pharma scenario
Market analysts believe that this category could reshape India’s pharmaceutical landscape in the next few years. Vishal Manchandana, pharma analyst at Systematics, said the patent expiration is expected to significantly expand access to GLP-1 therapies and improve affordability, helping doctors treat conditions that are not currently being treated.
However, he said that because semaglutide is a peptide therapy that is given through special equipment, it may still remain relatively expensive compared to other older treatments. “In line with global trends, analysts expect the majority of prescriptions to be used to treat diabetes, with use for non-diabetic obesity likely to remain low initially.”
Still, the broader impact could be significant. Manchandana expects the GLP-1 segment to emerge as one of the largest growth drivers in the Indian pharmaceutical market, potentially accelerating overall industry growth over the next three to four years.
March 06, 2026, 07:30 IST
