India's rising obesity rates have sparked a debate on the use of generic GLP-1 drugs, with industry leaders offering contrasting views. Nithin Kamath, founder of Zerodha, predicted a surge in sales once patents expire, while biotech pioneer Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw cautioned against long-term risks.
Kamath's Optimism on GLP-1 Sales
In a post on X, Kamath noted that India is a "weird market" and expressed surprise that generic GLP-1s haven't exploded in sales despite patent expirations. These drugs now cost between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,500 per month, making them more accessible. Kamath highlighted growing evidence of benefits beyond weight loss, including potential cardiovascular and neurological advantages.
Mazumdar-Shaw's Cautionary Response
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, executive chairperson of Biocon, responded by emphasizing that diet and exercise should be the first option for those who are not diabetic or clinically obese. She warned that GLP-1s alter metabolic function and have neurological signaling, which could lead to unknown long-term side effects. "There is not much long-term data on chronic use of GLP-1s," she stated.
Market and Health Implications
Obesity rates in India have doubled over the past decade, affecting nearly 5% of the population. The affordability of generics could expand the market beyond diabetics to include those seeking weight loss. However, experts stress the need for caution, as chronic use of GLP-1s may carry risks not yet fully understood.
