Industry Outlook Team | Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Zydus Lifesciences is preparing for a major international expansion of its semaglutide business, with plans to roll out the drug across more than 20 markets over the next two years.
The company is also betting on a sharp scale-up of its biosimilars business beginning FY29, supported by regulatory changes, partnerships, and an expanding product pipeline.
The move follows Zydus Lifesciences’ recent launch of a generic semaglutide in India after patent exclusivity on the molecule ended. Widely used to manage diabetes and obesity, semaglutide has emerged as one of the most sought-after therapies globally. Zydus now plans to leverage partnerships and regulatory approvals to expand its reach across international markets.
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Speaking after the company’s fourth-quarter earnings, Managing Director Sharvil Patel said Zydus has already lined up registration and partnership plans for more than 20 countries. While the company may not be among the earliest entrants in every market, Patel said Zydus expects its product to stand out due to affordability, accessibility, and patient convenience. Some launches are expected later this year, while others could happen in 2027.
In India, Zydus has tied up with pharmaceutical partners to strengthen market penetration, especially in injectable therapies. The company believes its reusable semaglutide pen device may offer a competitive edge by allowing patients to use different dosage levels through a single system, making treatment more convenient.
The global semaglutide market is expected to witness strong demand globally as awareness around diabetes and obesity management therapies increases. However, competition is also intensifying, with several drugmakers entering the space. Industry experts believe only companies with strong manufacturing capabilities, reliable supply chains, and physician trust will be able to sustain long-term growth.
Beyond semaglutide, Zydus sees Zydus biosimilars business as a major long-term growth driver. The company expects meaningful expansion in this business from FY29, helped by evolving regulations in the United States that could simplify approval processes for biosimilar medicines and reduce development costs.
Zydus currently has a portfolio of over 13 biosimilars and complex biologic products under development. During the March quarter, the company launched biosimilar alternatives for major therapies in India and advanced several biologics through clinical and pre-clinical stages.
One of its key developments includes completing clinical work for a pembrolizumab biosimilar, a leading cancer treatment drug globally. This could position Zydus strongly once patent protections expire in major international markets, supporting its broader pharmaceutical market expansion strategy.
On the financial front, Zydus reported a healthy performance in the fourth quarter, with revenue rising 16% year-on-year to ?7,587 crore and net profit increasing nearly 15% to ?1,592 crore. The company has also announced a ?1,100 crore share buyback and dividend payout, reflecting confidence in its future growth plans.
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