Cost of major diabetes drug set to drop significantly; here's why

The entry of affordable Empagliflozin is expected to revolutionise diabetes management in India, making life-saving treatment accessible to millions.

The diabetes care landscape in India is set for a major transformation as domestic pharmaceutical companies reportedly prepare to launch low-cost generic versions of Empagliflozin. The move comes after the expiry of Boehringer Ingelheim’s patent on March 11, making way for affordable alternatives to the widely used diabetes drug, as per a Times of India report.

Leading drugmakers like Mankind Pharma, Torrent, Alkem, Dr Reddy’s, and Lupin are expected to introduce generics within days, according to the report. Currently priced at Rs 60 per tablet, Empagliflozin’s generic versions will be available for as low as Rs 9-Rs 14 per tablet, significantly reducing costs for millions of patients, further states the report.

The diabetes drug market in India has grown from Rs 14,000 crore in 2021 to nearly Rs 20,000 crore, making affordability a key factor. Mankind Pharma, India’s fourth-largest pharmaceutical firm by market share, plans to price its version at one-tenth of the innovator’s price, it has been learnt from the ToI report.

With 10.1 crore Indians living with diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation, access to effective and affordable medication is critical. Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, helps manage diabetes and its complications, including heart failure and chronic kidney disease.

While Metformin remains the standard first-line treatment for Type-2 diabetes, newer therapies like SGLT2 inhibitors (Empagliflozin, Dapagliflozin) and GLP-1 receptor agonists (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide) are gaining popularity for their cardiovascular benefits.

The entry of affordable Empagliflozin is expected to revolutionise diabetes management in India, making life-saving treatment accessible to millions.