Torrent Pharmaceuticals has announced the launch of its Semaglutide brands, Sembolic and Semalix, in both oral and injectable formulations in India. This marks the first time a generic oral semaglutide has been introduced in the country, with the injectable version priced starting at ₹3,999 per month.
The launch signifies Torrent Pharma’s expansion into the metabolic disorders segment, targeting conditions such as type-2 diabetes and obesity. Amal Kelshikar, CEO of India Business at Torrent Pharma, highlighted the significance of this development, stating that metabolic disorders pose a major healthcare challenge in India, with a large portion of the population affected by Type-2 Diabetes. He emphasised the company’s commitment to providing affordable treatment options for managing complex metabolic conditions.
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists, the category to which semaglutide belongs, are established medications for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. These drugs enhance insulin secretion, reduce glucagon levels, and help regulate appetite. They have demonstrated effectiveness in decreasing haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), promoting weight loss, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events by mimicking the hormone GLP-1.
Torrent Pharmaceuticals, a flagship company of the Torrent Group, boasts annual revenues exceeding ₹11,500 crores, with group revenues around ₹45,000 crores. Following the acquisition of JB Pharma, Torrent Pharma ranks 5th in the Indian Pharmaceuticals Market and is among the top five in therapeutic segments such as Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Central Nervous System, Pain Management, and Cosmo-Dermatology.
The company focuses on specialty areas, with approximately 76% of its revenues in India derived from chronic and sub-chronic therapies. Torrent Pharma has a presence in over 50 countries and is ranked number one among Indian pharma companies in Brazil and Germany. It operates eight manufacturing facilities, five of which are USFDA approved, and employs over 750 scientists in its state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a regulatory filing submitted to the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).