Ozempic Patent Expires: Weight Loss Injection Becomes More Affordable

The prices of Ozempic and similar weight-loss injections are expected to drop significantly soon. Patents for the active ingredient, known as semaglutide, expired in India as of last Friday. This development paves the way for generic drugs containing semaglutide to be rapidly introduced to the market. This could greatly improve access to healthcare, particularly in middle-income countries where access to such treatments is often considered a luxury.

Generic drugs are more affordable alternatives produced with the same active ingredient after the original drug’s patent expires. While major pharmaceutical companies seek to recoup their R&D and investment costs through the patents of the new drugs they develop, generic drug manufacturers can offer their products at much lower prices because they do not have to bear these costs. This provides a significant advantage in terms of access to healthcare.

However, the use of such medications also carries certain side effects. In addition to side effects like nausea and digestive issues, studies indicate that individuals who stop using weight-loss injections gain weight more quickly compared to those who take a break from diet and exercise. Therefore, it is important to use these medications with caution and under the supervision of healthcare professionals.

By the end of 2026, the basic patents for semaglutide will have expired in 10 countries—including Turkey—that together account for 48% of the global obesity burden. This situation could lead to lower prices and increased accessibility for these medications in countries like Turkey. For women in particular, the emergence of more affordable options during weight loss processes holds the potential to improve health and quality of life.

With the expiration of the patent term in India, many pharmaceutical companies are preparing to launch new generic semaglutide injections. Research firm Pharmarack forecasts that at least 50 new brands will enter the Indian market. This development not only strengthens India’s strong position in the pharmaceutical industry but could also be a significant step toward enabling more people worldwide to access such treatments. In the future, the global expansion of these generic medications could mark a turning point in supporting women’s efforts to achieve their health goals.