Fresh Delhi – Abbott and Novo Nordisk India have joined forces to launch Extensior, a second brand of the widely used Type 2 diabetes medication semaglutide, in India. The move, announced Friday, aims to broaden access to this important treatment beyond major metropolitan areas and specialized clinics, building on the initial launch of Ozempic in the country two months ago. This partnership underscores a growing trend of pharmaceutical companies collaborating to expand the reach of increasingly in-demand diabetes and weight-loss drugs in the Indian market.
The collaboration will see Abbott exclusively distribute and market Extensior throughout India, making it the second company after Emcure Pharma to secure sole distribution rights for a semaglutide injection. Novo Nordisk will retain manufacturing responsibilities, according to sources familiar with the agreement. Extensior will be available in the same dosage forms as Ozempic – 0.25mg, 0.5mg and 1mg – and is expected to be competitively priced, though Novo Nordisk has not yet publicly disclosed specific pricing details.
Expanding Access to Semaglutide in a Growing Market
This partnership isn’t happening in isolation. Novo Nordisk previously partnered with Emcure Pharma to commercialize Poviztra, a 2.4mg semaglutide injection marketed as a second brand of the weight-loss drug Wegovy in India. Similarly, Eli Lilly has a distribution agreement with Cipla for its weight-loss drug Mounjaro. These collaborations reflect a strategic push to navigate the complexities of the Indian pharmaceutical market and reach a wider patient base. Mounjaro, since its launch in March of last year, has already generated cumulative sales of Rs 713 crore, whereas Wegovy continues to gain traction, demonstrating the growing demand for these medications.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Extensior, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist administered weekly via injection. It’s designed to be used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Abbott highlighted in a regulatory filing that the drug offers “powerful HbA1c reduction, weight-loss benefits and proven risk reduction of cardiovascular and kidney events in people with Type 2 diabetes.”
A Competitive Landscape and Patent Expiration
The timing of this partnership is significant, coinciding with a surge in demand for semaglutide-based drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, with combined sales exceeding Rs 1,000 crore in under a year. This demand is fueled by a growing awareness of the drugs’ benefits, not only for diabetes management but too for weight loss. Although, the market is poised for significant change as semaglutide is expected to lose patent protection in March, opening the door for generic versions.
Analysts anticipate that seven to eight generic brands will enter the market, potentially lowering prices by 50-60% and further expanding access. This has spurred a flurry of partnerships as companies vie for position. Last week, Eris Lifesciences partnered with Natco Pharma to commercialize semaglutide in India. Earlier in February, OneSource Pharma collaborated with Hikma to launch the drug in Saudi Arabia, and in December, Ajanta Pharma reached an agreement with Biocon to market it across several Asian and African countries.
India’s Diabetes Burden and the Require for Innovation
The urgency behind these collaborations is underscored by the escalating diabetes crisis in India. Kartik Rajendran, Managing Director of Abbott India, emphasized that addressing this challenge requires “continuous innovation and strong partnerships.” According to the company, over 100 million people in India currently live with diabetes, a number projected to rise to over 150 million by 2050 – a 50% increase driven by urbanization, aging populations, rising obesity rates, and lifestyle changes.
The increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity in India has created a significant market opportunity for these medications, but also highlights the need for affordable and accessible treatment options. The entry of generic versions of semaglutide is expected to play a crucial role in meeting this need, while partnerships like the one between Abbott and Novo Nordisk aim to bridge the gap in the short term by expanding distribution networks and increasing awareness.
The competitive landscape is further illustrated by the partnerships formed around other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Eli Lilly’s collaboration with Cipla for Mounjaro demonstrates a similar strategy of leveraging local expertise to broaden market reach. These developments suggest a long-term commitment from major pharmaceutical players to address the growing healthcare needs of the Indian population.
As the patent for semaglutide nears expiration, the Indian pharmaceutical market is bracing for a period of increased competition and innovation. The success of these partnerships will depend on their ability to navigate the regulatory landscape, establish robust distribution networks, and deliver affordable and effective treatments to those who need them most.
The next key development to watch will be the entry of generic semaglutide into the Indian market next month, and the subsequent impact on pricing and accessibility. Further updates on sales figures for Extensior and other semaglutide-based drugs will also provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of this rapidly growing market.
What are your thoughts on the increasing availability of these medications in India? Share your comments below and let us know how you reckon this will impact access to care.
