On Wednesday, Januvia, a cheaper version of Sitagliptin, was released in the market. The drug, developed by US firm Merck, will reduce the cost of diabetes management therapy by a third. The value of the growing anti-diabetes market is around Rs 17,000 crore.

In India, there are more than 74 million cases of diabetes while a huge section of the population is still undiagnosed due to lack of facilities, cost of medications, etc. The entry of affordable drugs can help in improving accessibility for weaker socio-economic sections in India. Several experts stated that the generic versions of the drug will be priced in the range of Rs 8–18 per day, a reduction from the existing therapy marketed by Merck for Rs 45 per day. The market size for Januvia is expected to be valued at around Rs 3,600 crore in India.

This week, generic versions from some major companies, including Dr. Reddy’s, Glenmark, SunPharma, and JB Chemicals, are expected to be released in the market. An official stated that Glenmark has launched sitagliptin and its combination with metformin under the brand names SITAZIT 50mg and SITAZIT 100mg, priced at almost one-third of the total cost compared to its innovator brand (Januvia).

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pharma/top-diabetic-drug-goes-off-patent-prices-to-fall-by-3rd/92735602 )