Semasize (Alkem Semaglutide): Price, Doses, Trial Data and How to Get It
Semasize is Alkem Laboratories' DCGI-approved semaglutide, launched 21 March 2026 at ₹1,800 a month in a pre-filled pen. Here is everything on the label and behind it: pricing, formats, the SIZE-DM trial, and how it compares to Ozempic and other generics.
ALTRcare Medical Team
Clinical Editorial
Semasize is Alkem Laboratories' semaglutide, launched in India on 21 March 2026, the first full day after Novo Nordisk's patent expired. It costs from ₹1,800 for a month's supply (₹450 per weekly dose) in a pre-filled disposable pen, is approved by the DCGI for both type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, and was tested head-to-head against the original Novo Nordisk semaglutide in an Indian Phase 3 trial before launch. It is the same molecule as Ozempic and Wegovy at roughly a fifth to a tenth of their historical price.
Semasize at a glance
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Molecule | Semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist), once-weekly injection |
| Maker | Alkem Laboratories (also sold as Obesema and Hepaglide) |
| Launch | 21 March 2026, Day 1 after patent expiry |
| Price | From ₹1,800/month (₹450/week); reusable pen option at higher doses |
| Format | Pre-filled disposable pen with 4 weekly doses; reusable cartridge pen for maintenance doses |
| Approved for | Type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management, as an adjunct to diet and exercise |
| Prescription | Schedule H: valid doctor's prescription required |
One medicine, three brand names
Alkem sells the same semaglutide under three names positioned for different clinical uses: Semasize, Obesema (weight management positioning) and Hepaglide (metabolic liver health positioning). The molecule, manufacturing and quality standards are identical; the branding lets doctors prescribe within the framing that fits the patient. If your pharmacy stocks one and not another at your dose, ask your doctor whether the alternative label works for your prescription.
The evidence: what the SIZE-DM trial showed
Unlike a typical generic, Semasize had to complete a Phase 3 trial in Indian patients before CDSCO approval. The SIZE-DM study (CTRI/2025/02/081490) randomized 320 adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin, across 23 tertiary centres, to receive either Alkem's semaglutide or the Novo Nordisk innovator, titrated from 0.25 mg to 2 mg weekly over 24 weeks. 313 participants completed. Both groups achieved a mean HbA1c reduction of 2.20 percent, and Alkem's version demonstrated non-inferiority to the original with a comparable safety profile. Very few generics anywhere are launched with a published head-to-head against the innovator; this one was.
Doses and the pen system
Semasize follows the standard semaglutide titration: start at 0.25 mg weekly for four weeks, then step up under your doctor's guidance (0.5 mg, 1 mg, and beyond as clinically appropriate) until you reach an effective maintenance dose. The disposable pen carries four weekly doses, so one pen is one month. For higher maintenance doses Alkem offers a reusable pen: you keep the device and replace only the medication cartridge, which lowers the ongoing cost and is one of the more patient-friendly design choices among the Indian generics. Never adjust your dose without your doctor; the escalation schedule exists to manage side effects.
Semasize vs Ozempic vs other generics
| Option | Monthly cost (from) | Format | Weight-management label? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semasize (Alkem) | ₹1,800 | Disposable pen; reusable at higher doses | Yes |
| Natco Semanat | ₹1,290 | Vial and syringe | Yes (via sister brands) |
| Sun Pharma Noveltreat | ₹750 | Pre-filled pen | Yes |
| Zydus Semaglyn | ₹2,200 | Reusable cartridge pen | Yes |
| Dr. Reddy's Obeda | ₹4,200 | Disposable pen | Diabetes label |
| Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) | ₹5,660 | Pre-filled pen | Diabetes label (Wegovy carries the obesity label) |
Semasize with a doctor behind it
ALTRcare's semaglutide program is built on DCGI-approved, Indian-trial-backed medication like Semasize, with the prescribing doctor, titration and follow-up included from ₹3,499 a month. Check your eligibility in 2 minutes.
How to get Semasize
Semasize is Schedule H: you need a valid prescription from a registered doctor, which you can obtain through an in-person visit or a legal online consultation under India's telemedicine guidelines. With a prescription, licensed pharmacies dispense it, including home delivery with cold-chain handling. Alkem's distribution network is among India's largest, so availability extends well beyond metros. Be wary of any seller offering it without a prescription or at prices far below ₹450 a week; both are markers of grey-market or counterfeit product.
Key takeaways
- Semasize is Alkem's DCGI-approved semaglutide, from ₹1,800 a month (₹450 a week) in a pre-filled pen.
- It was proven non-inferior to Novo Nordisk's original semaglutide in the 320-patient SIZE-DM trial in Indian patients.
- It carries both the diabetes and chronic weight management indications.
- A reusable pen option reduces costs at higher maintenance doses.
- It is prescription-only; a legal online consultation is a valid route to getting it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of Semasize in India?
Semasize launched at ₹1,800 for a month's supply, which is ₹450 per weekly dose, in a pre-filled disposable pen containing four doses. A reusable pen option is available for higher maintenance doses.
Is Semasize the same as Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide, the same active molecule at the same weekly dosing. Semasize is Alkem's DCGI-approved version, tested against the Novo Nordisk original in the SIZE-DM trial and found non-inferior. Ozempic starts around ₹5,660 a month after its April 2026 price cut; Semasize starts at ₹1,800.
Is Semasize approved for weight loss?
Yes. The DCGI approved Alkem's semaglutide for chronic weight management as well as type 2 diabetes, as an adjunct to diet and exercise. Alkem's Obesema brand is the same medicine positioned specifically for weight management.
What is the difference between Semasize, Obesema and Hepaglide?
They are the same Alkem semaglutide under three brand names positioned for diabetes, weight management, and metabolic liver health respectively. The medicine inside is identical.
Do I need a prescription for Semasize?
Yes. Semasize is a Schedule H medicine. A registered doctor must prescribe it, either in person or through a valid telemedicine consultation.
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This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. GLP-1 medications are prescription-only and not suitable for everyone. Always consult a qualified doctor before starting, changing, or stopping any treatment.
