India could soon get a lot thinner - at least in theory. On Friday, the patent on semaglutide - the molecule behind Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk's blockbuster weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic - expires in the country. This will allow domestic pharmaceutical companies to release cheaper copies or generics, triggering a rush of competition that could slash prices by more than half and rapidly expand access for people in India, and eventually in other countries too. Investment bank Jefferies has called it a potential magic-pill moment for India, predicting the semaglutide market could eventually reach $1bn domestically with the right pricing and uptake. Analysts expect around 50 branded semaglutide generics to enter the market within months - a familiar pattern in India's fiercely competitive pharmaceutical industry. India's pharmaceutical industry, currently worth about $60bn, is projected to double by 2030, largely owing to generics. Originally developed to treat diabetes, semaglutide has become a game changer for weight loss. By mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar, these drugs have gained popularity for their efficacy. With the looming availability of affordable generics, a once-expensive treatment may become accessible to millions who suffer from obesity and diabetes in India. As doctors and patients alike prepare for this significant change, awareness about the drugs' correct usage and potential side effects remains crucial.