As weight-loss drugs gain popularity globally, Nithin Kamath has raised questions about why India is not seeing the same level of enthusiasm for GLP-1 medications, even as prices become more affordable. His comments sparked a wider discussion after Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw weighed in, urging caution and emphasizing that diet and exercise should remain the first choice for people who are not clinically obese or diabetic.
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Nithin Kamath on India's response to GLP-1 drugs
In a social media post, Kamath said he expected demand for generic GLP-1 drugs to go up after patent expiries made them significantly cheaper.
He noted that monthly treatment costs have fallen to around Rs 1,000–2,500, making them less expensive than many gym memberships. But Indian consumers are not adopting these treatments as quickly as many expected.
"India is a weird market. With obesity rates shooting up, I'd have bet on the sales of generic GLP-1s exploding once their patents expired."
Kamath added that despite evidence suggesting benefits beyond weight loss, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and liver health, adoption appears to be slower than expected.
Why are GLP-1 drugs struggling to gain traction?
According to Kamath, one of the biggest challenges may be long-term usage. These medications typically need to be taken continuously to maintain weight loss benefits. "The real problem seems to be retention."
He explained that many users regain weight after discontinuing treatment. "GLP-1s are injectables, and you have to keep taking them. If you stop, you gain back the lost weight."
Kamath suggested that convincing people to stay on a weekly injection indefinitely may be difficult. "It seems like asking someone to stay on a weekly injection indefinitely is a much harder sell."
Other barriers to adoption
Kamath highlighted several possible reasons why Indian consumers may be hesitant. One factor could be the medical community's prescribing habits.
"Could it be because Indian physicians are conservative when it comes to prescribing newer drugs?"
He also noted that self-injecting medication can be a deterrent. "Self-injecting is a pain for most people, and that friction and inertia might be stopping them from starting in the first place."
"Given that there are now GLP-1 pills, I'm wondering if the adoption curve will change."
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw urges caution
Kamath's observations drew a response from Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who stressed that lifestyle changes should remain the preferred approach for many people.
Reposting the discussion, she wrote:
"For those who are not diabetic or clinically obese, diet & exercise should be first option." Mazumdar-Shaw also highlighted concerns about the long-term impact of these medicines.
"GLP-1 alters metabolic function n has neurological signalling which in the long term may have side effects." She further noted that scientific understanding of prolonged use is still evolving.
