Zydus partners with Lupin to co-market generic semaglutide in India

Zydus Lifesciences has entered into a licensing and supply agreement with Lupin to expand access to its generic version of semaglutide that will be launched soon in the Indian market.

The patent for Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk’s innovative weight-loss and diabetes molecule semaglutide – sold in India under the brand names Wegovy and Ozempic – will expire on March 21. Several leading Indian drugmakers have lined up generic launches immediately after the patent expires.

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The partnership is for Zydus’s semaglutide injection (15 mg/3 ml) with reusable pen device and is aimed at leveraging Lupin’s reach in the Indian market, Ahmedabad-based Zydus said in a statement.

Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences, said: “The innovative pen device we are offering is designed to make therapy simpler and improve quality of life.” He added that the collaboration with Lupin will help broaden access to the medicine, thereby expand its reach.

Under this agreement, Lupin will have semi-exclusive rights to co-market Zydus’ semaglutide injection in the Indian market under the brand names Semanext and Lupin’s Livarise.

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Zydus will market the product under the brand names Semaglyntm, Mashematm and Altermetm. Lupin will pay Zydus upfront licensing fees and milestone payments on achieving pre-defined milestones.

Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director, Lupin, said: "As GLP 1 therapies continue to redefine treatment standards globally, this collaboration enhances our diabetes portfolio and reinforces our focus on addressing unmet patient needs.”