Many weight-loss drug patents are about to expire, Indian and Chinese pharmaceutical companies are racing to make cheaper versions of these popular medications. The action is likely to improve millions of people’s access to obesity treatment both domestically and internationally.
The Race for Cheaper Obesity Medications
The Indian and Chinese companies are essentially developing two things: extremely comparable copies of complex biological drugs—biosimilars—and improved or modified versions of pre-existing obesity drugs. This rush is being driven by the potential billion-dollar market—roughly one billion people worldwide are overweight or obese, with hundreds of millions living in China and India.
The Success of GLP-1 Drugs
Particularly, one brand-new family of drugs that mimics the actions of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 has had some real success. The GLP-1 agonist drugs don’t just have an impact on blood glucose levels but slow down digestion and significantly decrease appetite, contributing to the reduction in weight. Examples include liraglutide and semaglutide marketed as Saxenda and Wegovy, respectively.
Developments in India and China
The Chinese drug administration has approved two GLP-1 drugs for weight loss from local companies: a liraglutide biosimilar called Liluping and beinaglutide marketed as Feisumei. On the other hand, Indian companies, such as Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Biocon, are already marketing or developing their liraglutide biosimilars.
Semaglutide is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic. As the production-linked incentive plan of the Indian government is likely to end in 2026, many Indian companies have been working toward getting approval to produce the drugs on their own. Once launched, the semaglutide biosimilars may set a new benchmark.
Innovations in Obesity Treatment
Apart from the biosimilars, companies in India and China are developing novel drugs for obesity—only incremental changes to existing molecules. For example, Sun Pharmaceuticals, an Indian company, has developed a molecule—GL0034—that has a different action at the cells that secrete insulin and those that act like nerves from semaglutide.
Conclusion
It is expected that, with increased competition and at cheaper rates for obesity drugs, demand for them in India and China will pick up significantly. Of course, it has to be mentioned that use of these drugs should be recommended by a health expert based on individual conditions and risks involved. This trend of making cheaper obesity drugs could change the dynamics of how one looks at obesity management, with more access to drugs for effective management.
FAQs
Que: What are GLP-1 drugs?
Ans: GLP-1 drugs are a class of medications working like the glucagon-like peptide 1 hormone, which controls blood sugar levels, suppresses appetite and leads to weight loss.
Que: Which are the companies developing affordable obesity drugs?
Ans: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and Biocon of India, and various local companies in China, are engaged in developing biosimilars of obesity medication and newer formulations.
Que: When will semaglutide biosimilars hit the Indian market?
Ans: Semaglutide biosimilars would be available in India after the expiry of the patent in 2026. Several companies have already applied for production-linked incentives for their development.
Que: Do obesity medications carry any risks?
Ans: Yes, all obesity medications can have side effects. One needs to use them under the supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Disclaimer: This article is purely informational and does not reflect advice. Consult a medical health professional before starting any new medication or treatment. Availability and cost of medications are subject to change. The author/publisher will not be held liable for any side effects from any of the points mentioned in this article.
SOURCE | Nature, Ideas, The Economic Times