India and China to introduce cheaper alternatives to popular obesity medications

As global demand for effective weight-loss medications surges, pharmaceutical companies in India and China are poised to disrupt the market by introducing cheaper versions of established obesity drugs, such as Wegovy. These firms are in the process of developing biosimilars, which are highly similar to original biologic drugs but are typically more affordable. This development is expected to make these crucial treatments accessible to a broader audience, especially in regions burdened with high rates of obesity.

Abhijit Zutshi, the Chief Commercial Officer at Biocon, headquartered in Bengaluru, India, highlighted the significant potential for Indian and Chinese companies to enhance global access to these medications. “There is huge potential for companies from India, China that can help create access to these drugs,” Zutshi explained, underlining the goal of providing affordable healthcare solutions to those in need.

The urgency is underscored by the alarming prevalence of obesity and overweight conditions globally, affecting approximately one billion individuals, many of whom reside in India and China. “Demand for anti-obesity drugs is very strong,” affirmed Lei Qian, Vice-President of Clinical Development at Innovent Biologics in Shanghai, illustrating the critical need for effective and accessible treatment options in these populous nations.

The drive to develop biosimilars is fueled by the success of a new class of weight-loss drugs that mimic the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar and appetite. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in 2014, starting with Liraglutide (Saxenda). Subsequent developments led to more advanced formulations such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), which offer significant weight loss benefits through weekly injections.

Despite their effectiveness, the cost of these treatments remains a barrier for many, with monthly expenses exceeding US$1,000. In response, companies like Biocon are innovating in drug synthesis and delivery to reduce these costs significantly. Zutshi remains optimistic about the potential for price reductions, suggesting that “it could be cut in half, or be one-tenth the current price.”

The patent landscape in China and India is rapidly evolving, with the patent for liraglutide already expired in China and semaglutide’s patent set to expire in 2026 in both countries. This change will allow more companies to produce and sell biosimilar versions, intensifying competition and potentially leading to further price reductions.

In addition to biosimilars, there are efforts underway to innovate beyond the existing drug formulas. For instance, Sun Pharmaceuticals in Mumbai is developing a new molecule, GL0034, which shows promise in early-stage trials to reduce body weight by up to 10% in just two months. Furthermore, a partnership between Innovent and Eli Lilly is focusing on Mazdutide, a dual-target drug that mimics both GLP-1 and glucagon, enhancing metabolism and fat burning. Lei anticipates that Mazdutide could receive approval from China’s drug regulator by the first half of 2025, marking a significant advancement in the treatment of obesity.

The introduction of these biosimilars and new drug formulations represents a transformative shift in the treatment of obesity, with the potential to make these life-changing medications accessible to millions more around the globe. As these developments unfold, the landscape of obesity treatment is set to change significantly, offering new hope and expanded options for those seeking to manage their weight effectively.