Biocon signs out-licensing agreement with Ajanta Pharma to market Semaglutide in 26 countries

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Bengaluru-based Biocon Limited has announced the signing of an out-licensing agreement with Mumbai-based Ajanta Pharma Ltd, a specialty pharmaceutical formulations company, to market its vertically integrated drug product, Semaglutide, used to improve glycemic control in adults with type-2 diabetes.

Under the terms of this agreement, Biocon will be responsible for supplying Semaglutide to Ajanta for exclusive marketing in 23 countries and semi-exclusive marketing in 3 countries across Africa, Middle East and Central Asia.

Semaglutide, the GLP-1 receptor agonist, is to improve glycaemic control in adults. The product patent expires in most of these markets in March 2026. Ajanta plans to commercialise the products after receiving the regulatory approvals, which are expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

Ajanta is a leading Indian pharmaceutical company, which has built a branded generic business in over 30 countries across Africa, South-East Asia, Central Asia and Middle East. The company has a strong presence in these markets across a wide range of therapeutic segments, including cardiology, anti-diabetes, ophthalmology, antibiotic, anti-malarial, pain, gynaecology, paediatric and general health products.

Commenting on the collaboration, Siddharth Mittal, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Biocon Ltd., said, “This partnership with Ajanta Pharma is a strategic step in expanding the global footprint of Biocon’s GLP-1 portfolio and maximizing the value of our scientific investments in complex peptide development. Semaglutide represents a significant advancement in diabetes care, and Ajanta’s deep commercial reach across Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia provides an efficient and scalable pathway to accelerate market access. Importantly, this collaboration will enable broader and more affordable access to Semaglutide for patients in these regions, supporting our commitment to improving health outcomes through high-quality, cost-effective medicines.”

Yogesh Agrawal, Managing Director, Ajanta Pharma Ltd, commented, “GLP-1 therapies have seen rapid global acceptance and have emerged as blockbuster products worldwide. We are excited to partner with Biocon for Semaglutide and take this important therapy to the markets where Ajanta has strong on-ground presence and deep reach. We are confident of building Semaglutide into a meaningful and high-growth brand across these countries in the years ahead.”