Zydus Launches Semaglutide Injection With Reusable Pen To Improve Diabetes Care Access, Patent Expiry Opens Door For Affordable GLP-1 Therapy

Zydus Lifesciences Limited has introduced Semaglutide Injection in India under the brand names SEMAGLYN™, MASHEMA™, and ALTERME™, following patent expiry. The therapy received prior approval from the Drug Controller General of India for manufacturing and marketing in both Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and obesity indications.

To address cost and convenience barriers, Zydus is offering a reusable multi-dose pen device instead of multiple single-dose pens typically required during dose titration. This device allows patients and clinicians to select varying dose strengths from a single pen, improving treatment adherence, simplifying administration, and reducing overall therapy expenses.

The product will be available as a 15 mg/3 ml cartridge and manufactured at Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad. The company estimates the average monthly treatment cost at approximately ₹2,200, positioning the therapy as a more affordable GLP-1 treatment option in the country.

The launch comes amid rising diabetes and obesity prevalence in India. GLP-1–based therapies are increasingly seen as vital tools in managing these conditions. Data from the International Diabetes Federation indicate that nearly 8.9 crore adults in India live with diabetes, accounting for over 10% of the adult population. Obesity rates are also climbing sharply, with significant increases reported among both men and women, underscoring an expanding national health burden.