Semaglutide Generics Surge in Sales Amid Ongoing Supply Shortages

Generic semaglutide sales volumes surged to 1.92 lakh units in July, up from 1.66 lakh units, according to data compiled by sales tracker PharmaTrac. The market recovery follows a two-month slowdown that had temporarily interrupted the upward trajectory of weight-loss drug alternatives in India.

Brand Concentration and Market Leaders in Generic Semaglutide

The market revival remains heavily concentrated among a select group of manufacturers. According to PharmaTrac data, 11 out of 33 available brands account for 80 percent of total sales volume in the category.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories led the volume recovery last month as sales of its Obeda brand more than doubled, jumping from 55,000 units in June to 1.15 lakh units in July, while value remained muted at Rs 2 crore. Meanwhile, Torrent Pharma retained its overall segment lead with its two brands, Semalix and Sembic. As of June, Semalix commanded a moving annual turnover (MAT) of Rs 46 crore, while Sembic held a MAT of Rs 37 crore, with the pair generating 2.3 lakh incremental units.

Other brands showing positive month-on-month traction include Eris Lifesciences’ Sundae, Sun Pharma’s Noveltreat, and Alkem Labs’ Semasize. However, their sales values remain relatively low because these select brands are still growing from a small base, according to PharmaTrac figures.

Supply Chain Disruptions Impacting Manufacturer Projections

The recent sales surge for leading generic brands may moderate in August due to active ingredient supply issues. According to industry reports, supplies for both Semalix and Obeda have experienced disruptions stemming from an impurity concern in the drug’s active ingredient.

Torrent Pharma procures its formulation from Dr Reddy’s. Torrent has reportedly identified a new supplier and expects to operate at full capacity by the end of August. By contrast, Dr Reddy’s has guided that it will resume market supplies only from the end of October.

During the June quarter, Torrent reported total sales of Rs 50 crore and stated it remains on track to achieve its full-year target of Rs 250 crore. Meanwhile, Dr Reddy’s adjusted its global outlook. The company previously expected to sell 12 million units globally but lowered its projection to 6-7 million units for the current fiscal year, though it maintains an optimistic outlook on domestic and international demand.

Innovator Brands and Competitive Landscape Against Tirzepatide

While generic makers navigate drug-device combo complexities, cold-chain logistics, and prescriber recall value, innovator brands continue steady growth. “While innovators maintain a steady upward sales trend, a few generic brands show a stronger momentum,” said Sheetal Sapale, VP Commercial at Pharmarack.

Innovator products are also positioned to capture further momentum following recent label expansions for the treatment of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In March, market analysts projected the overall semaglutide market would reach Rs 1,500 crore over the next 12-18 months, with generics slated to capture roughly half of that volume.

At the same time, market leader Eli Lilly and its local partner Cipla continue to dominate the broader Rs 2,200 crore anti-obesity market with the alternative molecule tirzepatide. In July, Lilly’s Mounjaro recorded Rs 110 crore in sales, while Cipla’s Yurpeak posted Rs 31 crore.

“Tirzepatide’s superior efficacy continues to differentiate the brand and drive prescription growth for the company in India, despite the entry of cheaper generic rivals,” said Patrick Jonsson, executive vice-president and president of Lilly International, during an investor call. In the head-to-head SURMOUNT-5 study last year, tirzepatide demonstrated an average weight loss of 20.2 percent compared to 13.7 percent for the Wegovy group at 72 weeks.

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