Eris Lifesciences inks deal with Natco Pharma for weight-loss drug semaglutide

Mumbai: Eris Lifesciences has tied up with Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma to commercialize semaglutide ahead of patent expiration of the blockbuster weight loss drug.

The partnership comes after Natco received regulatory approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) on February 14 to manufacture generic semaglutide for the Indian market. This paves the way for an expected launch in March 2026, Eris said in a statement on Tuesday.

The collaboration will strengthen Eris’ commercial presence in the diabetes segment and Natco’s manufacturing and regulatory capability in complex formulations, the company said.

The product will target type 2 diabetes management in line with the unmet needs in India’s expanding metabolic care landscape.

Eris has a strong presence with broad expertise in diabetology. In 2024, it signed a long-term agreement with Biocon to acquire its domestic branded formulations business, including insulin products.

“Semaglutide represents one of the most significant therapeutic advances in metabolic care in recent years… With our strong commercial infrastructure and deep involvement in chronic therapies, we believe Eris is well positioned to drive rapid adoption and improve patient access in India,” said Amit Bakshi, president and chief executive officer.

He also added that Eris is proactively preparing its commercial strategy to participate in the GLP-1 opportunity.

Mint It had previously reported that deals and partnerships to commercialize semaglutide before the drug’s patent expiration would increase, as companies with different strengths join hands to gain a foothold in a highly competitive market.

Earlier this month, OneSource Pharma announced a partnership with Hikma to commercialize generic semaglutide in Saudi Arabia.

In December, Ajanta Pharma announced a deal with Biocon to commercialize the drug in various African and Asian markets. Ajanta is looking for another partner in India.

Dr Reddy’s has a partnership with CDMO OneSource Pharma for generic semaglutide and plans to supply it to local partners, its management said in its 3FY26 earnings call.

Cipla and Emcure announced distribution agreements with innovative Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, respectively.

The deal frenzy comes after demand for weight loss drugs like semaglutide has skyrocketed in India. GLP-1 drug sales have already surpassed ₹1,000 crore in launches in less than a year. Currently, innovative drugs Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic dominate, but the introduction of generic versions of semaglutide at cheaper prices is expected to expand the market further.

Novo Nordisk will lose semaglutide patent exclusivity in India in March 2026.