Demand for GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro surges across India amid lifestyle disease epidemic
India is witnessing an unprecedented surge in demand for weight-loss and diabetes drugs, marking what experts are calling a “new gold rush” in the country’s fast-evolving pharmaceutical market.
At the heart of this boom are GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro—drugs originally developed for diabetes but now being widely prescribed off-label for medical weight loss. These medications mimic the body’s natural hormone response to regulate appetite, blood sugar, and metabolism, resulting in significant weight reduction.
India’s Health Crisis Fuels the Surge
- According to health officials, India is facing a dual epidemic of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, particularly in urban and semi-urban populations.
- Doctors are now increasingly prescribing GLP-1 medications for patients struggling with metabolic syndrome, PCOS, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular risks.
Market Impact & Regulatory Shift
- Analysts project that India’s anti-obesity drug market could cross $1 billion by 2030, with both global pharma giants and Indian manufacturers eyeing a major share.
- Indian drugmakers are racing to produce generics of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide. However, patent protections mean generics are unlikely before 2026–2027.
- Companies like Sun Pharma, Zydus, and Dr. Reddy’s have already begun R&D to tap into this lucrative opportunity.
Global Demand, Local Shortages
India’s domestic market isn’t the only focus. Local manufacturers are also exporting APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) to the U.S. and Europe, where demand is exploding—often causing supply shortages in Indian clinics and pharmacies.
Doctors have raised concerns about unsupervised online sales, counterfeit products, and patients self-medicating without prescriptions. Experts urge government regulation to ensure safe and ethical usage of these powerful hormone-based drugs.
India’s Role in the Global Weight-Loss Drug Race
India is rapidly becoming a key player in the global GLP-1 drug supply chain, not just as a consumer but also as a production and export powerhouse. As patents expire, the country is expected to be at the forefront of making these drugs affordable and accessible worldwide.
Source: Reuters – India File: The new gold rush for weight-loss drugs
