Over a dozen Indian companies have launched generic versions of the GLP1 drug used for diabetes and weight management since the expiry of Novo Nordisk’s patent for the innovator molecule in end-March. They generated about Rs 44 crore in generic semaglutide sales in April.
As per April data, Torrent posted about Rs 17 crore in sales, far exceeding rivals such as Zydus Lifesciences, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Lupin (about Rs 4 crore each), Alkem and Eris (about Rs 3.4 crore each) and Sun Pharma and USV (about Rs 2.3 crore each).
Torrent is the only Indian company to have launched generic semaglutide in both oral and injectable forms, a key factor that experts say has led to its fast pickup.
“Torrent’s early lead appears to be driven by oral semaglutide,” said Aasim Maldar, consultant – endocrinologist and diabetologist at Mumbai’s PD Hinduja Hospital. According to him, many patients would prefer a tablet over an injection, given the choice.
Total semaglutide sales, including generic and innovator, in April stood at around Rs 88-90 crore, up from about Rs 59 crore in March, said industry sources.
According to diabetologist Rajiv Kovil, Torrent and Dr Reddy’s appear to be among the strongest early movers because they entered the market with a more complete strategy rather than just a molecule launch.“Torrent, in particular, seems to have built strong early visibility because it is among the first Indian players to offer semaglutide across multiple delivery formats—oral, reusable injectable pen and disposable—while maintaining strong branding continuity across the portfolio. That creates familiarity for both physicians and patients and allows smoother therapy escalation and switching,” he added.
Agreed Vishal Manchanda, pharma analyst, Systematix Group: “Torrent’s presence in all three formats—oral, reusable and disposable pens—is giving them the early sales acceleration even as others like Sun are stronger in their doctors’ reach in the metabolic space.”
Torrent has taken the disposable pen from Dr Reddy’s and re-usable pen from Zydus. The company has also produced the oral tablet without violating the patent of Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide, Rybelsus, by using a hybrid technology.
Demand for oral tablets is so strong that many pharmacies are already facing shortages, doctors said.
“In many cases, even medical representatives are able to arrange supplies only for 10-15 days,” said Maldar.
India’s anti-obesity market is worth Rs 1,600 crore, including that of innovators Novo Nordisk (semaglutide) and Eli Lilly (tirzepatide), and is expected to reach Rs 4,000-5,000 crore in the next 12-18 months, according to industry estimates. Experts estimate semaglutide could account for 80% of the GLP1 market in the next 12-24 months.
Doctors said Torrent has had more doctor engagement meetings than most pharma companies and all its divisions are promoting the product together.
In real-world physician chatter and early prescription movement, Eris Lifesciences appears to be quietly doing very well especially in vials, probably because of its strong distribution and doctor relationship in diabetes care.
“While Torrent may currently have the broader formulation story, Eris seems to be gaining strong traction because the company’s vial-based approach appears to have improved significantly in the price-sensitive market,” said Kovil.
Alkem, Zydus, Natco and Lupin are said to be performing well in pockets, according to market trackers. For instance, Alkem in East India, Natco in the South and Zydus in western India.
Also, Torrent has maintained the same brand Semalix and Sembolic across all their formulations, which makes it easier for doctors to prescribe.
Experts, however, expect Sun Pharma to accelerate sales in the months ahead due to its strong connect and deep penetration in the metabolic space.
