Novo Nordisk Semaglutide Patent Expiry in India

Novo Nordisk's patent for semaglutide, the active ingredient in its blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, expired in India on Friday, March 20, 2026. This has paved the way for at least a dozen large Indian drugmakers, including Natco Pharma, Sun Pharma, Abbott Laboratories, and Lupin (company), to launch generic versions at significantly lower prices. Natco Pharma plans to offer an injection for $14 a month, a fraction of Novo Nordisk's price. While Canada was the first to lose patent protection, regulatory delays have made India the first major market to experience a flood of copycat versions. This development is expected to trigger a fierce price war, expanding access to weight-loss treatments for India's large overweight and diabetic population. The market is projected to grow from $500 million to $1 billion with competitive pricing and government incentives. Indian firms are also innovating with delivery formats and forging alliances to gain market share, with an estimated 42 manufacturers launching over 50 brands this year. This event serves as a case study for future patent expiries in key markets like China, Brazil, and Turkey.