Govt cracks down on unauthorised sale, promotion of semaglutide as cheap weight-loss drugs flood market

India’s drug regulator has intensified surveillance across the supply chain of GLP-1-based weight-loss drugs, warning against unauthorised sales and misleading promotion, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Tuesday, amid a surge in cheaper generic versions following patent expiry.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has launched coordinated enforcement actions with state regulators to curb malpractices linked to the fast-growing market for semaglutide-based therapies, widely used for diabetes and increasingly for weight loss.

“With the recent introduction of multiple generic variants of GLP-1-based weight loss drugs in the Indian market, concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability through retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers, and wellness clinics,” the ministry said.

“These drugs, when used without proper medical supervision, may lead to serious adverse effects and related health risks,” it added.

The move comes days after multiple domestic drugmakers rolled out low-cost generic versions of semaglutide injections — the molecule behind blockbuster drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy — after the patent expired in India on March 20.

Crackdown on unauthorised sale, promotion

The ministry said regulatory surveillance has been stepped up to check the unauthorised sale and promotion of GLP-1 drugs across retail pharmacies, online platforms, wholesalers and wellness clinics.

As part of enforcement, authorities conducted audits and inspections at 49 entities, including online pharmacy warehouses, retailers, wholesalers and slimming clinics across multiple regions.

“Notices have also been sent to defaulting entities,” the statement said.

The ministry reiterated that semaglutide-based drugs are approved in India strictly under prescription by specialists such as endocrinologists and internal medicine experts, and in some cases cardiologists.

Generic boom slashes prices

Indian drugmakers are rushing to tap the lucrative market with significantly cheaper versions.

India presents a large opportunity, with an estimated 10 crore people living with diabetes and a significant share of the population classified as obese.

Companies including Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Zydus Lifesciences, Eris Lifesciences and Natco Pharma have launched or announced semaglutide injections in multiple formats and strengths.

Prices have dropped steeply, in some cases by up to 80% compared, with weekly therapy costs now ranging from about ₹325 to ₹2,000 depending on brand and dosage.

Sun Pharma’s weekly therapy costs range between ₹750 and ₹2,000 across its brands, while Glenmark’s offering is priced as low as ₹325–440 per week.

Dr Reddy’s has priced its monthly therapy at around ₹4,200, while other players such as Zydus and Eris are offering monthly options starting roughly between ₹1,290 and ₹2,200.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals, Alkem Laboratories and USV have also announced their entry in the segment.

High demand market, rising risks

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, boosting insulin release, lowering glucose production and suppressing appetite, making it effective for both diabetes management and weight loss.

However, the drug regulator has flagged rising risks from unsupervised use, especially as the drugs gain popularity for weight loss beyond approved indications.

“Patient safety remains paramount,” the ministry said, advising citizens to use such medications only under qualified medical supervision.

The government said surveillance will continue to be intensified in the coming weeks and non-compliances will be dealt “strictly with actions including cancellation of licenses, penalties, and prosecution under applicable laws.”