India Pharma Outlook Team | Monday, 16 March 2026
Mankind Pharma is preparing to enter India’s fast-growing semaglutide market with plans to launch its version soon after the drug’s patent expires this month.
The company aims to be among the first domestic drugmakers to introduce the treatment, positioning itself early in what is expected to become a highly competitive segment.
The semaglutide drug is widely used to treat type-2 diabetes and has also gained global attention for helping with weight management. The medicine works by improving blood sugar control and creating a feeling of fullness, which can support weight loss for many patients.
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Mankind Pharma, India’s fourth-largest pharmaceutical company by market share, is betting on strong demand for the therapy as awareness around obesity and diabetes continues to grow. The company’s move reflects a broader push to expand its presence in high-growth chronic therapy segments.
With the patent expiry opening the door for domestic manufacturers, several Indian drugmakers are preparing to introduce more affordable alternatives. Mankind Pharma’s strategy is to move quickly and secure an early foothold in the semaglutide market, which could see intense competition once multiple generic versions become available.
Industry observers expect demand for such therapies to rise sharply as the treatment becomes more accessible. Lower-priced versions from local companies could help widen patient access, especially in a country with a large population living with diabetes and growing concerns around obesity.
By targeting an early launch, Mankind Pharma hopes to capture market share at the start of what could become one of the most significant opportunities in India’s pharmaceutical sector. The company’s entry signals the beginning of a new phase in the country’s semaglutide market, where domestic drugmakers are preparing to challenge high-priced branded medicines with cheaper alternatives.