Torrent Pharma Gears Up to Launch Oral, Injectable Semaglutide in 2026 Post Patent Expiry: Report
New Delhi: Torrent Pharmaceuticals is preparing to introduce both oral and injectable versions of Semaglutide, a blockbuster diabetes and weight loss drug, currently led by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk, following its patent expiry in India in early 2026, according to recent media reports.
While Novo Nordisk holds the current monopoly over the molecule in India, generic drugmakers are actively eyeing opportunities post-patent expiry. Torrent is among the early movers preparing for this high-stakes market entry.
Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s globally popular brands Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, used to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. The drug has seen a massive surge in demand worldwide, including in India, driven by its dual action on blood sugar and body weight.
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According to NewsBytes, "The company aims to produce the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in-house at its manufacturing plant in Gujarat’s Dahej and may outsource the fill-finish work." The report adds that Torrent may explore outsourcing some parts of the formulation process while keeping the core manufacturing in-house to optimize production costs and timelines.
With Novo Nordisk facing global supply constraints, Torrent’s entry could potentially address unmet demand in India’s expanding obesity and diabetes segment, which has witnessed increasing interest in GLP-1 drugs among both clinicians and patients.
Semaglutide's Indian market is expected to open up significantly once key composition of matter patents expire in early 2026. Other Indian pharmaceutical majors like Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Cipla, and Biocon are also believed to be preparing for launches in the GLP-1 space, reports ET.
