Biocon targets launch for generic Wegovy in India by 2027

Written by Ruchika Sharma Published On 2025-07-17T17:20:38+05:30 | Updated On 17 July 2025 5:20 PM IST

Biocon targets launch for generic Wegovy in India by 2027

Biopharmaceutical company Biocon is planning to submit a request for approval of generic copies of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy in India by the end of 2026, with a potential launch through a partner in 2027, CEO Siddharth Mittal said.

The company expects to complete late-stage clinical trials within the next 12 to 18 months.

Biocon is also pursuing regulatory pathways in Canada, where it plans to file for a generic versions of Ozempic this quarter and Wegovy versions later this year. "Subject to approval, we could look at a market launch in late 2026 or early 2027," he said.

"Biocon is actively progressing with filings for semaglutide in Canada as well as many other emerging markets," Mittal told Reuters.

The push comes after Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk and U.S.-based rival Eli Lilly saw skyrocketing demand for their obesity drugs Wegovy and Zepbound.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Novo's drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, used for diabetes and weight-loss management.

Indian generic drugmakers, including Dr Reddy's and Cipla, have been racing to produce cheaper versions of Wegovy when semaglutide goes off patent in 2026.

Read also: Cipla eyes India's weight management space as demand soars: MD Umang Vohra

Novo launched Wegovy in India for diabetes and weight-loss management in June after Lilly's Mounjaro sales doubled within a few months following its launch in the south Asian country.

Read also: Weight loss drug: Novo Nordisk Wegovy now available in India

Canada has not approved any such therapies yet, the company said.

In addition to Canada, Biocon will focus on large emerging markets such as Brazil and Mexico in Latin America, Malaysia and Hong Kong, countries in the Middle East, as well as Australia, and New Zealand to launch obesity drugs, according to the CEO.

In markets where Biocon does not have a direct presence, it is seeking local partnerships to commercialise its products, Mittal said.

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Source : Reuters

Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751