Sun Pharma Targets Global Launch of Its Anti-Obesity Drug Within Five Years
Mar 1, 2025

Source: Economic Times
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Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, India's largest drugmaker in terms of revenue, said it plans to launch an experimental anti-obesity and type 2 diabetes drug in four to five years. The company is joining the expanding weight-loss medicine market, which is expected to hit $150 billion worldwide by the end of the decade.
Key Highlights:
Development of Utreglutide (GL0034):
Sun Pharma's experimental drug, Utreglutide (GL0034), is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
These medications are mimics of gut hormones that reduce hunger and treat metabolic diseases.
This category consists of widely used weight-loss medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly.
Clinical Trials and Market Strategy:
Sun Pharma intends to carry out mid-stage clinical trials for GL0034 this year.
Results from Phase 1 trials showed clinically significant weight reduction and notable improvement in metabolism.
The firm wants to launch the drug in both Indian and overseas markets.
Partnerships or licensing arrangements are being considered by Sun Pharma for commercialization in key markets such as the US and Europe.
Competition within the Market:
As demand for weight-loss and diabetes medicines continues to grow, Indian giants Dr. Reddy's, Cipla, and Lupin are also developing generic copies of currently available GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Generic launches, however, are contingent upon patent expiry in major markets for the originators.
Statements from Industry Leaders:
Dilip Shanghvi, Managing Director, Sun Pharma:
"The results point to GL0034 as a promising drug for the treatment of obesity, offering not only weight reduction but also cardiovascular risk factor improvement."
As the weight-loss drug market booms, Sun Pharma is making a mark as a player in this high-growth segment. If the product succeeds, GL0034 has the potential to increase the company's international presence while providing a solution for the increasing burden of obesity and diabetes globally. The company's trials and commercialization plan will make it the impact player in a market presently dominated by multinational pharma players.
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