Torrent Pharma brings India’s first oral semaglutide, launches injectable at ₹3,999/month

Torrent Pharma Pioneers Oral Semaglutide in India

Torrent Pharmaceuticals has made a significant breakthrough by introducing India's first oral semaglutide formulation, alongside its injectable counterpart priced at ₹3,999 per month.

This launch marks a pivotal moment for patients battling type 2 diabetes and obesity, as semaglutide—a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist—has gained global acclaim for its effectiveness in blood sugar control and weight loss. Previously dominated by expensive branded versions like Ozempic and Rybelsus from Novo Nordisk, the market now sees local innovation driving down costs.

Torrent's brands, Sembolic and Semalix, come in both oral tablets and injectable forms, catering to diverse patient preferences and needs. The company timed this release perfectly following the recent patent expiry of semaglutide in India, opening doors for generic competition.

Affordable Pricing and Strategic Partnerships Boost Access

The injectable semaglutide from Torrent is now available at ₹3,999 for a month's supply, a fraction of the original branded prices that often exceeded ₹10,000.

This pricing strategy aims to remove financial hurdles for millions of Indians grappling with metabolic disorders. In a collaborative move, Torrent has partnered with Zydus Lifesciences, where Zydus manufactures the innovative 15 mg/3 ml prefilled cartridge injection using a reusable pen device, and Torrent co-markets it under the Sembolic brand.

Torrent pays an upfront licensing fee to Zydus, leveraging the latter's manufacturing expertise and its own robust distribution network across the country.

"Our entry into the GLP-1 therapy segment reflects Torrent's commitment to expanding treatment options available to healthcare professionals managing complex metabolic conditions at affordable prices," said Amal Kelshikar, CEO-India Business at Torrent Pharma. |quote| This partnership not only ensures quality supply but also accelerates market penetration in chronic therapy segments.

Broader Market Impact and Growing Competition

Torrent is not alone in this race; Alkem Laboratories and USV Ltd have also rolled out their generic semaglutide brands after securing approvals from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

Alkem's version targets type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management as an add-on to diet and exercise, backed by local Phase 3 clinical trials. With the patent expiry in March 2026, experts predict over 50 semaglutide brands flooding the Indian market soon, fostering intense competition and further price reductions.

This surge promises to transform diabetes care, a condition affecting over 100 million adults in India, by making once-luxury treatments routine. Semaglutide works by mimicking a gut hormone that regulates appetite and insulin, helping patients achieve better glycemic control and sustainable weight loss.

Healthcare professionals welcome these developments, noting they will lower barriers to starting therapy, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities where affordability has been a major issue. Torrent's dual-format launch—oral for convenience and injectable for potency—positions it as a leader in this evolving landscape.

In summary, Torrent Pharma's launch of India's first oral semaglutide and injectable at ₹3,999/month, post-patent expiry, alongside partnerships and competition from Alkem and USV, heralds a new era of accessible metabolic treatments for diabetes and weight management.