Semaglutide: Decoding the hype around the weight loss wonder drug
Oct 26, 2023
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Elon Musk and Hollywood celebrities discuss semaglutide, the weight loss wonder drug. Novo Nordisk and Dr. Reddys Laboratories explore the drug's potential in India. Are there side effects? Is it affordable? Who should take it? Listen to understand the hype and reality.
Semaglutide, a weight loss wonder drug originally developed for diabetes control, has generated significant hype and global interest due to its potential for substantial weight loss.
While semaglutide and similar drugs have shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss, they should be used as part of a comprehensive obesity management program under medical supervision, considering their side effects and the need for exercise and a healthy diet.
Deep dives
The Efficacy and Popularity of Weight Loss Drugs
Weight loss drugs like semaglutide and terzepatide have gained significant popularity and are being hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity. Semaglutide, an anti-diabetic medicine, has shown remarkable results, with some patients experiencing weight loss of up to 10 to 15 kilograms. Injectable versions of semaglutide, known as Ozempic and Vygovy, have become sought-after, even though they are not officially available in India. Patients who can afford it are procuring the injection from abroad. The injectable versions have proven to be more efficacious, leading to significant weight loss. Celebrities like Elon Musk have praised its benefits, further fueling its hype. However, caution must be exercised in using these drugs, as they should be a part of a comprehensive weight loss program under medical supervision.
Medical Insights and Concerns
According to Dr. Amrit Schmittel, a diabetologist, semaglutide and similar drugs are primarily used for diabetes treatment. Although they have gained popularity for weight loss, their primary usage should still be for diabetes management. The efficacy of these drugs is undeniable, with semaglutide injectables leading to weight loss of up to 10 to 15 kilograms, surpassing previous drug options. However, these drugs are not without side effects, including nausea and the potential loss of muscle mass. They should not be taken lightly, and patients must consult their doctors before considering their usage. Furthermore, these drugs should be used as part of a holistic obesity management program, including exercise and a healthy diet.
Business Opportunities and Future Prospects
The success of weight loss drugs has made them a profitable market for pharmaceutical companies. Novo Nordisk, the company behind semaglutide, has reported substantial sales for its brands like Ozempic and Rybelsus. Analysts predict the weight loss drug market, including semaglutide and the newly introduced terzepatide, could reach up to $100 billion by 2030. However, there are challenges in meeting the high demand, leading to supply constraints. In India, only the oral version of semaglutide (Rybelsus) has been launched, while the injectable versions are not yet available. The cost of treatment remains high, but the introduction of bioequivalent studies by Indian companies like Dr. Reddy's Laboratories may lead to more affordable options in the future. The market potential for these drugs is significant, with possible impacts on industries beyond healthcare, including food and device manufacturers.
From Elon Musk to several Hollywood celebrities, the weight loss wonder drug, semaglutide, is taking the world by storm. What was an unintended consequence of a diabetes control med, the emergence of significant weight loss has raised the expectation of the wonder drug becoming a $100 bn opportunity by 2030. While the drug’s innovatorNovo Nordisk launched its oral version in India last year, Dr. Reddys Laboratories has now got approval to carry out bioequivalence studies of injectable semaglutide. So, what does this mean for India that has a huge disease burden of diabetes and obesity? Is the hype around the drug all worth it? Are there any side effects? Is it affordable? And who should be taking it? Host Kiran Somvanshi tries to understand from Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman & Head - Endocrinology & Diabetes - Max Healthcare, and Nithya Balasubramanian, Director - AB Bernstein. Listen to the latest episode of The Morning Brief podcast!
Disclaimer: The analyst interviewed has a financial interest in Cipla and Lupin.