New Delhi, March 19 -- India's weight-loss drug market is on the verge of a price shake-up.

In days, domestic drugmakers are set to launch cheaper versions of semaglutide, the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) therapy popular globally for weight management, following the drug's patent expiry in the country on Friday, 20 March. Or, tomorrow.

The move is expected to cut prices by roughly half, broaden access, and spark intense competition in what could become one of India's fastest-growing therapy segments.

Originally developed by Novo Nordisk to treat type-2 diabetes, semaglutide, delivered in an injection, has gained global attention for its weight-loss benefits. The drug is sold under brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus (oral pill)...