Zydus Lifesciences to Introduce Semaglutide in India with Innovative Delivery System
Ahmedabad-based pharmaceutical giant Zydus Lifesciences Limited has announced its strategic plan to launch semaglutide injection in the Indian market under the brand names Semaglyn, Mashema, and Alterme. This move is set to take effect following the expiration of the semaglutide patent in India, positioning the product as a key therapeutic option for managing type-2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
Regulatory Approval and Market Entry
The company has confirmed that the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has already granted approval for the manufacturing and marketing of semaglutide injection for these specific indications. This regulatory green light paves the way for Zydus to roll out its offering, which is expected to enhance treatment accessibility and affordability for patients across the country.
Innovative Drug-Delivery System
A standout feature of Zydus's semaglutide offering is its novel, indigenously developed drug-delivery system. The company plans to introduce an adjustable single-pen device that allows patients to select and administer varying dose strengths from a single unit as they titrate their dosage. This approach marks a significant departure from existing treatments, which often require patients to purchase multiple single-dose pens during the dose escalation phase.
According to Zydus, the adjustable pen is designed to:
- Improve patient convenience by simplifying the administration process.
- Reduce therapy costs by eliminating the need for multiple devices.
- Enhance patient adherence by minimizing the hassle of switching pens as dose requirements change.
Focus on Affordability and Reusability
In addition to its adjustable functionality, the device will be reusable, which Zydus anticipates will further improve affordability for patients over the long term. This cost-effective design aligns with the company's commitment to making advanced treatments more accessible in the Indian healthcare landscape.
Leadership Perspective on Patient-Centric Innovation
Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences, emphasized that the planned launch reflects the company's dedication to patient-centric innovation. He stated that this initiative aims to raise the standard of care by simplifying treatment through a first-of-its-kind delivery mechanism in India. Dr. Patel expressed confidence that the added convenience provided by the adjustable pen will support better long-term adherence and lead to improved clinical outcomes for patients battling type-2 diabetes and obesity.
This development underscores Zydus's proactive approach in leveraging technological advancements to address critical healthcare challenges, potentially setting a new benchmark in the pharmaceutical industry for combining efficacy with user-friendly design.
