Delhi: Global life sciences innovator Zydus Lifesciences Limited (including its subsidiaries) has launched semaglutide injections in India under the brand names Semaglin™, Mashema™, and Altermé™, following the expiry of the drug’s patent. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier approved the manufacturing and marketing of the injection for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
Unlike traditional therapies where patients need multiple single-dose pens and gradual dose escalation, Zydus has introduced a reusable multi-dose pen. This patient-friendly device allows doctors and patients to select different doses from a single pen, making treatment simpler, more convenient, and cost-effective.
The semaglutide injection is available in 15 mg/3 ml cartridges, manufactured at Zydus’ Ahmedabad Biotech Park, with an average monthly cost of around ₹2,200.
With India facing a rapid rise in diabetes and obesity, GLP-1-based treatments like semaglutide are expected to play a critical role in managing these conditions. According to the International Diabetes Federation, nearly 89 million adults in India live with diabetes, accounting for 10.5% of the adult population. Obesity prevalence has also surged—from 12.6% to 24% among women and from 9.3% to 22.9% among men—highlighting the urgency of accessible and effective treatments.
Zydus’ launch marks a significant step toward offering Indian patients a modern, convenient, and affordable solution for managing diabetes and obesity.
