India’s Diabetes Drug Market Expands to Rs.20,000 Crore; Affordable Generic Empagliflozin to Revolutionize Treatment

Affordable Diabetes Medication: A Game-Changer for Millions

India’s diabetes medication market has witnessed significant growth, surging from ₹14,000 crore in 2021 to nearly ₹20,000 crore. This sharp rise underscores the growing need for cost-effective treatment options in a country where over 10 crore individuals are battling diabetes.

With Boehringer Ingelheim’s patent on Empagliflozin set to expire on March 11, 2025, several Indian pharmaceutical companies are gearing up to introduce affordable generic versions of the widely prescribed diabetes drug. Industry sources reveal that Mankind Pharma, Torrent, Alkem, Dr Reddy’s, and Lupin are among the key players poised to enter the market with significantly lower-priced alternatives.

Empagliflozin: Lower Prices to Increase Accessibility

Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor used to manage diabetes and conditions like heart failure and chronic kidney disease (CKD), has long been priced at a premium. The current innovator’s price stands at ₹60 per tablet, making long-term treatment costly for many patients. However, with Mankind Pharma reportedly launching its version at just one-tenth of that price, and most generics expected to cost between ₹9 and ₹14 per tablet, this move could transform diabetes care affordability in India.

“This is in line with our commitment to eliminate cost barriers by providing high-quality products with globally approved raw materials at a reasonable price. By manufacturing our own active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in bulk, we can reduce costs and improve accessibility,” said a Mankind Pharma executive.

Market Impact and Industry Growth

The Empagliflozin and combination therapy segment is projected to be valued at ₹640 crore. The introduction of lower-cost generics is expected to boost competition and significantly impact India’s rapidly expanding diabetes therapy market, which has grown by 43% since 2021.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals’ recent acquisition of three Empagliflozin brands from Boehringer Ingelheim last year marked a pivotal moment in this shift toward affordability. With over 10.1 crore diabetes patients in India, as per the International Diabetes Federation, making treatment accessible is now a public health priority.

Diabetes Treatment Landscape in India

While Metformin remains the first-line treatment for type-2 diabetes, additional drugs such as:

• Sulfonylureas (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide, chlorpropamide)
• DPP-4 Inhibitors (sitagliptin, vildagliptin)
• SGLT2 Inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin)

…are prescribed as the disease progresses. Meanwhile, newer treatments like semaglutide and tirzepatide are revolutionizing diabetes management with better glycemic control and cardiovascular benefits.

The Future of Diabetes Care in India

Experts highlight that Empagliflozin’s affordability will not only reduce hospitalizations due to heart failure and CKD but also improve survival rates among diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Until now, high costs have limited access to this life-changing medication.

With Indian pharmaceutical giants stepping in, patients can expect better affordability, accessibility, and improved diabetes management in the years ahead.

(As Reported By TOI)