Alkem Laboratories Launches Semaglutide Injection in India
Filing Summary
Alkem Laboratories Ltd. has announced the launch of its semaglutide injection in India, targeting type-2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management. The product is available under the brand names “Semasize,” “Obesema,” and “Hepaglide.” The semaglutide injection is offered in a pre-filled disposable pen, with a monthly dosage priced at INR 1,800, translating to a weekly cost of INR 450. Alkem has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India for this product. The company also provides a reusable injection pen option for higher maintenance doses.
Alkem Laboratories Ltd. has launched its semaglutide injection in India, aimed at treating type-2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management. The product is marketed under the brand names “Semasize,” “Obesema,” and “Hepaglide.” The semaglutide injection is administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly. The company has introduced the product in a pre-filled disposable injection pen format, with a monthly dosage priced at INR 1,800, equating to a weekly cost of INR 450.
The financial terms of the launch include the pricing of the semaglutide injection, which is set at INR 1,800 for a month’s supply. This pricing strategy is intended to make the therapy more accessible to patients in India. The company has also introduced a reusable injection pen for higher maintenance doses, allowing patients to replace only the medication cartridge, thereby reducing costs associated with purchasing new disposable pens.
The scope of Alkem’s launch includes the availability of semaglutide in both disposable and reusable pen formats. The disposable pen contains four doses for a month, while the reusable pen is designed for patients requiring higher maintenance doses. The reusable pen option is intended to enhance patient adherence to treatment by lowering the overall cost of therapy. The semaglutide injection is a prescription product and should be administered under appropriate medical supervision.
Alkem Laboratories has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India for the manufacturing and marketing of semaglutide following a review of its Phase 3 clinical trials conducted in India. This approval allows Alkem to offer semaglutide as an adjunct to diet and exercise for managing type-2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management. The launch is part of Alkem’s strategy to expand its portfolio in chronic therapies.
The timeline for the launch was announced on March 21, 2026. The product is now available in the Indian market, with Alkem leveraging its distribution network to ensure widespread availability. The company aims to make the therapy accessible to a larger section of the population through its pricing strategy and distribution channels.
Alkem Laboratories Ltd. is a leading Indian pharmaceutical company with over 50 years of experience in providing high-quality medicines. It holds a significant position in the Indian pharmaceutical market, particularly in the areas of anti-infectives, gastrointestinal, and pain management drugs. Alkem is expanding its portfolio in chronic therapies such as diabetes, neurology, and cardiology. The company operates 18 manufacturing facilities and R&D centers across India and the US, focusing on developing generic formulations, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and biosimilars.