Zydus Lifesciences Plans Semaglutide Launch in India Upon Patent Expiry with Reusable Pen

Zydus Lifesciences Ltd has announced plans to launch a Semaglutide injection in India on the first day of the molecule's patent expiry. In a press release dated February 25, the Ahmedabad-headquartered company stated the drug will be marketed under the brand names Semaglyn, Mashema, and Alterme. 

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has previously granted approval for the manufacturing and marketing of the Semaglutide injection for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity, the company said.

The Device is the Differentiator
The company stated it has developed an innovative Semaglutide injection formulation (15 mg/3 ml). This formulation will be available in a prefilled cartridge administered via a patient-friendly reusable pen. Zydus confirmed it holds exclusive rights to this specific device.

A critical differentiator of the company’s Semaglutide offering is the novel, indigenously developed drug-delivery system.  The company noted that unlike existing treatments, which often require patients to purchase multiple single-dose pens as they titrate their dosage, Zydus intends to introduce an adjustable single-pen device.

How It Helps Patients
This proprietary technology allows patients to seamlessly select and administer varying dose strengths from a single unit. Zydus stated that this mechanism enhances patient adherence, maximizes convenience, and reduces the overall cost of therapy. The device will be capable of delivering all approved strengths for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity. Furthermore, the pen is reusable, which the company asserts will bring greater affordability to patients.