Alkem Laboratories launches semaglutide in India at Rs 450 per week, eyes booming weight-loss market

Alkem Laboratories on Saturday said it has launched semaglutide injection in India, entering the fast-growing market for diabetes and weight loss drug with a product priced at a starting weekly cost of Rs 450.

The drug, marketed under the brand names “Semasize”, “Obesema” and “Hepaglide”, is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. The company has introduced a pre-filled disposable injection pen priced at Rs 1,800 for a month’s dosage, translating into Rs 450 per week.

Also Read: Natco launches Rs 1,290 semaglutide in India, undercuts diabetes drug prices


Alkem said it is also offering a reusable injection pen for higher maintenance doses, allowing patients to replace only the medication cartridge instead of buying a new device each time, a move aimed at reducing long-term treatment costs and improving adherence.

The company has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India to manufacture and market semaglutide for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and chronic weight management, following a review of Phase 3 clinical trials conducted in India.

Semaglutide, a prescription drug, is to be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise and must be taken under medical supervision.

Commenting on the launch, Alkem CEO Vikas Gupta said the company aims to improve access to advanced therapies through affordable pricing and wider distribution, enabling more patients to benefit from treatment.

The entry of multiple Indian players into the semaglutide space is expected to sharply drive down treatment costs and widen access, as companies race to tap into the fast-growing, multi-billion-dollar GLP-1 market that has seen surging global demand for weight-loss drugs.

The patent expiry of semaglutide — the active ingredient in blockbuster drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy from Novo Nordisk — is expected to significantly disrupt pricing in India, where monthly therapy earlier cost upwards of ₹10,000.

Analysts expect intense competition, with over 40 companies preparing to launch more than 50 generic versions in the coming weeks, as firms look to gain early-mover advantage through aggressive pricing, partnerships and wider distribution in a market driven by rising diabetes and obesity prevalence.

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Other drugmakers have also moved quickly to tap the opportunity. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has launched “Noveltreat” and “Sematrinity” priced between ₹750 and ₹2,000 per week, while Dr Reddy's Laboratories has introduced “Obeda” at ₹4,200 a month. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is offering “GLIPIQ” at as low as ₹325 per week.

Zydus Lifesciences has priced its versions at about ₹2,200 a month, while Natco Pharma has entered with vial-based semaglutide starting ₹1,290 monthly, intensifying price competition in the segment.