
Ahmedabad, February 25, 2026: Zydus Lifesciences Limited has announced plans to launch its innovative Semaglutide Injection in India on Day 1 of patent expiry, significantly expanding patient access to GLP-1–based therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity.
The company will market the drug under the brand names SEMAGLYN™, MASHEMA™ and ALTERME™, following approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for manufacturing and marketing the therapy.
Novel Adjustable Single-Pen Device
A key differentiator of Zydus’ offering is its indigenously developed, adjustable single-pen drug delivery system. Unlike existing treatments that require patients to purchase multiple single-dose pens during dosage titration, the new device enables patients to select and administer varying dose strengths from a single reusable unit.
The innovative mechanism is designed to:
- Improve patient adherence
- Enhance ease of administration
- Reduce therapy costs
- Offer greater flexibility across approved strengths
Zydus holds exclusive rights to this novel device in India, which will deliver all approved dose strengths for both Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity indications.
Leadership Perspective
Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, stated that the company’s Semaglutide launch underscores its commitment to patient-centric innovation. He emphasized that beyond introducing a critical therapy, Zydus aims to elevate treatment standards through a first-of-its-kind delivery system in India. According to him, the enhanced convenience and affordability are expected to drive better long-term adherence and improved clinical outcomes.
Addressing a Growing Health Crisis
Diabetes and obesity remain among India’s most pressing public health challenges. According to global health estimates, India is home to approximately 8.9 crore adults living with diabetes, accounting for 10.5% of the adult population. Simultaneously, obesity prevalence has surged sharply across demographics — rising by 91% among women and 146% among men over recent years — reflecting a growing nationwide health burden.
GLP-1–based therapies such as Semaglutide have emerged as effective treatment options in managing blood glucose levels and supporting weight reduction, offering hope for millions of patients seeking improved metabolic health outcomes.
With this planned launch, Zydus aims to strengthen access to advanced diabetes and obesity management solutions while reinforcing India’s capabilities in indigenous pharmaceutical innovation.
