On 20 May 2026, The Economics Times reported that Zydus Lifesciences plans to commercialise its generic semaglutide formulation across more than 20 markets over the next two years.
Zydus was one of the first companies to launch generic semaglutide in India (marketed as Semaglyn™, Mashema™ and Alterme™) upon expiry of Novo Nordisk’s key Indian semaglutide patent in March 2026. Under agreements announced in March 2026, Lupin holds semi-exclusive rights to co-market Zydus’ semaglutide injection in India under the brand names Semanext® and Lupin’s Livarise®, while Torrent Pharmaceuticals holds semi-exclusive rights to co-market the product in India under its own brand name Sembolic™.
Zydus now has global partnerships and registration plans underway for other regions, subject to regulatory approvals. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus, stated that the company expects to “see some launches this year and some in the next year”, although he admitted that Zydus “may not be part of the first wave” of generic semaglutide launches in some markets. However, Zydus considers its differentiated offering, including its reusable pen device, will “provide significant cost benefits to patients”.
Generic semaglutide products were launched in Canada in May 2026 by Apotex and Dr Reddy’s. Apotex received the first US FDA Tentative Approval for its generic semaglutide ANDA in April 2026, giving it an opportunity to be one of the first to launch generic Ozempic® in the US following expiry of Novo Nordisk’s exclusivity/patents.