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Hyderabad, July 24, 2025
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. announced plans to launch a more affordable generic version of the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy, developed by Novo Nordisk, in 87 countries next year—a move poised to reshape the global obesity treatment landscape.
Details of the Launch
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The Indian pharmaceutical giant’s CEO, Erez Israeli, stated that the company intends to roll out its generic of semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Wegovy and diabetes drug Ozempic, beginning with Canada, India, Brazil, Turkey, and other emerging markets, depending on local patent expirations.
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Dr. Reddy’s expects to expand to the U.S. and Europe later in the decade, as major Western markets will only become available between 2029 and 2033 due to existing patent protections.
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Regulatory applications have already been filed in all intended launch countries.
Global Context and Market Impact
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The move comes amid a boom in demand for effective obesity treatments, with the global market for such drugs projected to hit $150 billion by the early 2030s.
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Dr. Reddy’s joins an active field of rivals—including Biocon, Sandoz, Cipla, Lupin, and Sun Pharma—seeking to capture a share of the fast-growing obesity drug market spurred by the success of Novo Nordisk and U.S.-based Eli Lilly.
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Israeli noted that the launch could generate “hundreds of millions of dollars” in new revenue for Dr. Reddy’s.
Patent and Regulatory Developments
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The company’s expansion hinges on the expiration of semaglutide patents: notably, India’s patent for the compound lapses in March 2026.
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Novo Nordisk, seeking to challenge market entry by generics, filed a lawsuit against Dr. Reddy’s in May 2025, alleging patent infringement—a legal battle that may impact the rollout timeline in various markets.
Innovation Pipeline
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Dr. Reddy’s also announced ambitions to launch 26 new GLP-1 drugs (the class to which semaglutide belongs) in the next decade, underscoring its commitment to providing affordable treatment options for metabolic conditions.
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The GLP-1 receptor agonist class helps control blood sugar and appetite, making patients feel full longer.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information available as of July 24, 2025, and reports statements made by company leaders and information reported by multiple financial news outlets. The developments related to regulatory approval, patents, and actual drug launch timelines may be subject to change depending on legal, regulatory, and market factors. Readers are advised to consult official regulatory notifications or company releases for the latest updates on product availability and approval status.
