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.