Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Weight-Loss Drugs Poised for Growth in 2026
In 2025, new weight-loss drugs called GLP-1 drugs were introduced in India.
These drugs, like Mounjaro and Wegovy, became very popular and are now among the top-selling medicines in India.
People are willing to pay for these expensive treatments, which is a big change.
These drugs not only help with weight loss but also improve heart health.
In 2026, more companies will start making cheaper versions of these drugs, and there will be new, even more effective drugs coming out.
Meanwhile, India is also working on other health issues like tuberculosis and cancer care.
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs Mounjaro and Wegovy launched in India in 2025, becoming top-tier pharmaceuticals by value.
These drugs are primarily funded out of pocket, indicating a shift in patient behavior towards expensive, long-term metabolic treatment.
Clinical questions remain about long-term weight loss and cardiovascular benefits, with ongoing studies to address these uncertainties.
Novo Nordisk's patent on semaglutide is expiring, paving the way for Indian drugmakers to produce generic versions, potentially lowering prices.
Next-generation metabolic drugs, including oral GLP-1 pills and multi-receptor drugs, are in development, promising greater efficacy.
- Who
- Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Indian drugmakers (Dr Reddy’s, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Lupin, Biocon, Zydus Lifesciences, Aurobindo)
- What
- Launch and potential growth of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in India
- When
- 2025-2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular health, with potential for broader metabolic therapy
- Drugs Launched in 2025
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) by Eli Lilly, Wegovy (semaglutide) by Novo Nordisk
- Market Position
- Top tier of India’s pharmaceutical market by value
- Funding
- Largely out of pocket
- Cardiovascular Benefits
- Reduced risk of major cardiovascular events
- Patent Expiry
- Primary patent expired in September 2024, secondary patent expires in March 2026
- Generic Versions
- Expected to launch in 2027
- Next-Generation Drugs
- Oral GLP-1 pill, multi-receptor drugs
- TB Burden in 2024
- 2.71 million cases, 300,000 deaths
