Zydus Lifesciences Limited Set To Launch Semaglutide Injection In India As Patent Expires, Introducing New Adjustable Single-Pen Device Under SEMAGLYN, MASHEMA And ALTERME

Zydus Lifesciences Limited, an innovation-driven life-sciences company with a strong global presence, has announced plans to launch Semaglutide Injection in India under the brand names SEMAGLYN, MASHEMA and ALTERME once the Semaglutide patent expires in the country. Earlier, the Drug Controller General of India had approved the manufacturing and marketing of Semaglutide injections for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and obesity, clearing the path for Zydus to enter this critical therapeutic segment.

A major differentiator for Zydus’ Semaglutide launch will be its newly developed, indigenous drug-delivery system. Current Semaglutide therapies often require patients to buy multiple single-dose pens as they gradually increase their dose over time. Zydus aims to replace this approach with an innovative, adjustable single-pen device. This technology will allow patients to conveniently choose and administer different dose strengths from one reusable pen, simplifying the treatment process, improving adherence, and significantly reducing the overall cost of therapy.

Commenting on the development, Managing Director Dr. Sharvil Patel stated that Zydus’ Semaglutide offering reflects the company’s deep commitment to patient-centric innovation. He explained that Zydus is not only planning to bring an important therapy to the Indian market but is also working to elevate the standard of care. By introducing a first-of-its-kind delivery mechanism in India, the company aims to make treatment easier for patients. According to him, this improved convenience is expected to support stronger long-term adherence and lead to better clinical outcomes.

Zydus holds exclusive rights to this new device, which will be capable of delivering all approved strengths for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and obesity. The pen’s reusable nature is expected to improve affordability, particularly as diabetes and obesity continue to rise at alarming rates across India. GLP-1 based therapies such as Semaglutide have emerged as an important tool in addressing these growing public health challenges.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, India is home to approximately 8.9 crore adults living with diabetes, representing 10.5% of the country’s adult population. Obesity rates are also climbing rapidly. Among adults, the prevalence of obesity has increased by 91% in women—rising from 12.6% to 24.0%—and by 146% in men, increasing from 9.3% to 22.9%. These figures highlight the scale of the health burden and underscore the importance of expanded access to advanced metabolic therapies.