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India’s top drugmakers, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (NSE:SUN) and Lupin Ltd (NSE:LUPN), are moving closer to developing affordable anti-obesity drugs as the country faces a growing health crisis. According to Mint, both companies have received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to advance their obesity drug programs, aiming to provide cost-effective alternatives to expensive global treatments.
Sun Pharma has been cleared to launch a large-scale Phase III clinical trial for its oral semaglutide tablets, a promising development given the high demand for easier-to-use, non-injectable options. Meanwhile, Lupin has secured approval for a bioequivalence study to prove that its generic obesity pill performs similarly to the original version. These steps could pave the way for wider patient access in a market where obesity treatment remains limited and costly.
Currently, breakthrough drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy (CSE:NOVOb) and Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro (NYSE:LLY) are available but are prohibitively priced and largely limited to injections, restricting accessibility for many Indian patients. With generics entering the pipeline, experts suggest that treatment costs could drop significantly, improving access to millions struggling with obesity. However, doctors caution that misuse of such medications could pose risks, stressing the importance of strict medical supervision and regulatory safeguards.
India is facing a mounting obesity epidemic. A Lancet study projects the country could have nearly 450 million overweight and obese adults by 2050, putting immense pressure on its healthcare system. The push by Sun Pharma and Lupin to create affordable anti-obesity solutions could mark a turning point in tackling this challenge, offering new hope for patients while reinforcing India’s position in the global pharmaceutical market.
