The fight against obesity and diabetes in India is set to receive a significant boost with the potential introduction of a production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. The scheme, aimed at enhancing the production of drugs for these conditions, is expected to be rolled out in 2026. This move could revolutionize the availability and development of critical medications in the country, particularly GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, which are pivotal in treating type-2 diabetes and obesity.
Anticipated PLI Scheme
Arunish Chawla, Secretary with the Department of Pharmaceuticals, hinted at this development, emphasizing the importance of the scheme in facilitating the production of GLP-1 drugs. These drugs, which include well-known names like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, have shown remarkable efficacy in reducing body weight and managing diabetes. However, despite their global popularity, these drugs are not yet readily available in India, primarily due to supply constraints.
Indian Pharma Companies on the Forefront
Several Indian pharmaceutical companies are already gearing up for the anticipated demand. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Lupin, Zydus Cadila, and Sun Pharma are among the key players actively working on anti-obesity drugs.
- Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to conduct a bioequivalence study on semaglutide.
- Zydus Cadila is developing its own candidates for anti-obesity drugs.
- Sun Pharma is working on GL0034, a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist. This drug has shown promising results in Phase 1 studies for both obese and non-obese adults without diabetes.
The Promise of GLP-1 Drugs
The introduction of GLP-1 receptor agonists marks a significant advancement in obesity treatment. Drugs like semaglutide (marketed as Wegovy) and tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro/Zepbound) have demonstrated substantial efficacy. For instance, Wegovy can achieve up to a 15% reduction in body weight, while Mounjaro has shown even greater efficacy, with trials indicating a reduction of over 20% in body weight. These results are comparable to the outcomes of bariatric surgery, underscoring the potential of these medications to transform obesity treatment.
Addressing a Growing Problem
India faces a considerable challenge with obesity. According to a study in The Lancet, India has the third-largest number of obese individuals globally, following China and the United States. Another study by IMARC estimates that India’s obese population is around 80 million. This burgeoning health issue highlights the urgent need for effective treatment options and interventions.
Market Potential and Growth
The market for anti-obesity drugs in India is poised for significant growth. Indian pharmaceutical companies are keen to develop and launch these drugs domestically, catering to a market that is expected to expand rapidly in the coming years. Additionally, according to GlobalData’s ‘The State of the Biopharmaceutical Industry 2024 Edition (Mid-Year Update),’ 160 million people currently live with obesity across seven major markets (US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, and Japan). This global perspective further underscores the immense potential and necessity for effective obesity treatments.
Overcoming Supply Constraints
While GLP-1 drugs are making waves globally, their availability in India remains limited due to supply issues. Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound, for instance, are yet to be widely accessible in the Indian market. Addressing these supply constraints is crucial to ensure that patients in India can benefit from these groundbreaking treatments.
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Future Outlook
The introduction of a PLI scheme for obesity and diabetes drugs represents a forward-thinking approach by the Indian government. By incentivizing the production of these critical medications, the scheme aims to bridge the gap between supply and demand, ensuring that effective treatments are available to those who need them most. Moreover, this initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance the pharmaceutical sector in India, fostering innovation and improving healthcare outcomes.
India’s anticipated PLI scheme for obesity and diabetes drugs holds promise for transforming the treatment landscape for these prevalent conditions. With major pharmaceutical companies gearing up to meet the demand and innovative drugs showing significant efficacy, the future looks hopeful for millions of patients. As the country prepares to implement this scheme, the focus will be on ensuring that these life-changing medications are accessible, affordable, and widely available to those who need them most.
