Generic Versions of Major Diabetes Medication Surges in Market

Empagliflozin, a widely used diabetes medication, after two weeks, went off patent; India’s pharmaceutical market has seen a rapid flow in generic versions, radically expanding patient access and affordability.

According to data from PharmaTrac, the number of Empagliflozin brands in the Indian market raise from 86 in March to 147 in April, while the number of joining companies doubled from 19 to 37 in the same time. The drug, initially developed by Boehringer Ingelheim and sold under the brand name Jardiance, lost its patent protection in mid-March.

The swift access of multiple branded generic players claims the force of competition and demand in India's pharmaceutical landscape, mostly for anti-diabetic therapies. Industry experts say this wave of generic entries is useful for both patients and doctors.

“Empagliflozin going off patent has caused a flood of market activity. With almost 150 brands now available and volume sales raising quickly, every major player in the Indian pharma market is take hold of the opportunity,” said Sheetal Sapale, Vice President (Commercial) at PharmaTrac.

Empagliflozin belongs to a class of drugs known as SGLT2 inhibitors, which help lower blood sugar in persons with Type 2 diabetes. Along with DPP4 inhibitors, many such particles have recently become popular in generic form due to patent expirations.

“This trend is making vital diabetes actions more reasonable and accessible to millions across India,” Sapale added. “The branded generics boom guarantees that eligible Indian patients can access effective therapies without the high cost supplementary with patented medicines.”

With diabetes cases rising progressively in India, the availability of low-cost, high-quality generics is being welcomed by healthcare providers as a much-needed growth in diabetes management.