Note: This piece was co-authored by Rahul R Patil

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have emerged as a transformative class of therapies for diabetes and obesity, driving unprecedented demand for drug delivery devices such as pen injectors and prefilled syringes. As key patents for leading GLP-1 therapies approach expiry between 2026 and 2032, the market is expected to witness a surge in generics and biosimilars, particularly from cost-competitive regions such as India. This transition is anticipated to reshape not only pharmaceutical pricing and access but also the global MedTech ecosystem supporting drug delivery. Increased competition will drive price erosion while simultaneously expanding patient access, resulting in significant volume growth. For procurement organizations, this shift introduces new complexities, including supply chain constraints, pricing pressures, geopolitical risks, and capacity limitations. This whitepaper evaluates the strategic implications of GLP-1 patent expiry on the drug delivery device industry, with a focus on procurement strategies, supply resilience, and cost optimization in a rapidly evolving global market.^1,4

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Their Clinical Importance

GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and liraglutide, have become central to the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity due to their demonstrated efficacy in glycemic control and weight reduction. Their rapid adoption has led to strong growth in demand for associated drug delivery systems, particularly user-friendly, self-administered injection devices such as pen injectors. These devices are integral to therapy adherence and patient outcomes, making them a critical component of the overall treatment ecosystem.^2,5

Commercially successful GLP-1 RAs include:

Patent Landscape: Expiry Forecast and Challenges

The global success of GLP-1 therapies has also intensified focus on intellectual property protection. Leading pharmaceutical companies have secured extensive patent portfolios covering not only the active pharmaceutical ingredient but also delivery mechanisms and device designs. However, as key patents begin to expire in the late 2020s, the market is expected to open to generic and biosimilar competition. This transition mirrors earlier biologics markets, where biosimilar entry significantly expanded access while exerting downward pressure on prices.^1,6

While specific data vary by product and region, the general expectation is:

1. Mid-2020s - early 2030s: foundational peptide patents expire
2. Late 2020s - mid-2030s: formulation and device patents phase out
3. Ongoing regulatory exclusivities (e.g., data exclusivity) may further delay competition.

This transition is expected to:

1. Increase competition through biosimilar entrants
2. Expand access in emerging markets
3. Drive cost optimization across supply chains

From a MedTech perspective, the implications are profound. Drug delivery devices, which were previously optimized for premium, low-volume markets, must now adapt to a high-volume, cost-sensitive environment. This shift is particularly relevant for procurement functions, which must balance cost efficiency with supply reliability in the face of increasing demand and constrained manufacturing capacity.^7,8

Generics and Biosimilars: Definitions and Regulatory Frameworks

Generics are chemically identical copies of small-molecule drugs, while biosimilars are highly similar versions of biologics with no clinically meaningful differences in safety or efficacy. Regulatory agencies such as the US FDA, EMA, and India’s CDSCO have established frameworks to accelerate approvals while ensuring quality and safety.

In India, biosimilar pathways are relatively mature, enabling faster market entry compared to Western markets. This has positioned India as a key hub for both manufacturing and early adoption of biosimilars, including peptide-based therapies like GLP-1 analogs.

Economic Impact of Patent Expiry

In the GLP-1 segment, the shift from branded therapies to biosimilars and generics will:

1. Reduce drug prices significantly over time
2. Increase patient access, especially in price-sensitive markets
3. Expand total treatment volumes

This volume expansion will directly increase demand for drug delivery devices, particularly disposable injection systems.

When biosimilars enter the market, pricing dynamics often shift:

Impact on Drug Delivery Device Industry

The impending patent expiry of GLP-1 therapies introduces a complex set of challenges for the drug delivery device industry. While increased competition from generics and biosimilars is expected to enhance patient access, it also triggers significant pricing pressure across the value chain.^1,6

For device manufacturers, this price attrition translates into reduced margins, particularly as pharmaceutical companies seek to lower overall therapy costs. At the same time, increased affordability drives higher patient uptake, leading to a surge in demand for delivery devices. This creates a paradoxical scenario in which manufacturers must scale production volumes while simultaneously reducing costs. Such conditions place significant strain on existing manufacturing infrastructure, particularly in areas such as injection molding, assembly, and sterilization.⁸

Key implications include:

1. Shift from Premium to Cost-Efficient Devices: Inventor companies prioritize innovation and patient experience, whereas generics manufacturers focus on cost efficiency. This will lead to higher demand for standardized, scalable device platforms.
2. Capacity Constraints: Device manufacturers may face bottlenecks due to sudden volume increases, particularly for components such as:
3. Medical-grade polymers (e.g., polypropylene)
4. Needles and cannulas
5. Glass cartridges
6. Supplier Concentration Risk: The market remains consolidated, with a limited number of suppliers dominating auto-injectors and pen systems. This creates vulnerabilities in supply continuity.
7. Geopolitical and Trade Risks: Ongoing geopolitical tensions particularly in the Middle East and US-China trade dynamics affect:
8. Raw material availability
9. Shipping routes
10. Tariff structures

Recent global events, including regional conflicts and trade tensions, have highlighted the fragility of these supply chains. For example, disruptions in petrochemical supply chains can impact polymer availability, directly affecting device production.

India Generics Market Dynamics - 2026

India is witnessing increased activity in peptide and biosimilar development. Domestic pharmaceutical companies are investing in GLP-1 analog manufacturing, driven by:

• Rising diabetes and obesity prevalence
• Government focus on affordable healthcare
• Established biosimilar capabilities

Recent trends include:

• Early-stage launches of GLP-1 analog generics by Indian manufacturers
• Increased partnerships between global and Indian firms
• Expansion of domestic manufacturing capacity

These developments will significantly boost local demand for drug delivery devices, particularly low-cost injection systems.

Companies such as:

1. Sun Pharmaexpanding specialty and metabolic portfolio
2. Biocon - global biosimilar leader (insulin, peptides)
3. Dr. Reddy’s - active in complex generics and biologics

are expected to play a major role in GLP-1 biosimilar expansion. However, the rapid scaling of production in India also raises questions around supply chain capacity, quality consistency, and regulatory compliance.^3,5

India GLP-1 Generics & Biosimilars – Case Study Examples (2026)

From a MedTech perspective, these developments underscore the importance of capacity planning and supply chain optimization. As demand for delivery devices continues to grow, manufacturers must invest in expanding production capacity and improving operational efficiency. At the same time, procurement organizations must ensure that they have the necessary supplier networks and risk management strategies in place to support this growth.^3,5,7

Criteria for Evaluating Solutions

• Dual Sourcing and Regional Diversification
  • Procurement teams should adopt multi-sourcing strategies across regions (e.g., Asia, Europe) to reduce dependency on single suppliers and mitigate geopolitical risks.
• Strategic Supplier Partnerships
  • Long-term contracts with key device manufacturers can ensure capacity allocation and price stability.
  • Collaboration on forecasting and demand planning is critical.
• Standardization of Device Platforms
  • Adopting standardized device designs can reduce complexity, improve scalability, and lower costs.
  • This is particularly relevant for generics manufacturers.
• Localization of Supply Chains (India Focus)
  • Establishing local manufacturing capabilities for device components can reduce lead times, avoid tariffs, and improve supply reliability.
• Digital Supply Chain Integration
  • Leveraging digital tools for demand forecasting, supplier risk monitoring, and inventory optimization can enhance agility.
• Cost Engineering and Value Analysis
  • Procurement teams should collaborate with suppliers to identify cost reduction opportunities through material substitution, design optimization, and process improvements.

Analyst recommendations:

From a procurement perspective, organizations should take the following actions:

• Build Resilient Supply Chains
  • Diversify supplier base across geographies
  • Develop contingency plans for critical components
• Strengthen Supplier Collaboration
  • Engage in long-term partnerships
  • Share demand forecasts to ensure capacity planning
• Focus on Cost Optimization
  • Implement value engineering initiatives
  • Explore alternative materials and designs
• Invest in Localization
  • Develop local supplier ecosystems in India and other emerging markets
  • Reduce dependency on imports
• Monitor Regulatory and Trade Developments
  • Track changes in tariffs and trade policies
  • Ensure compliance with evolving regulations
• Leverage Digital Tools
  • Use analytics for demand forecasting and risk management
  • Enhance supply chain visibility
• Align with Business Strategy
  • Support both innovation and cost leadership strategies
  • Enable differentiation through device capabilities where needed

Conclusion

GLP-1 patent expiry will fundamentally reshape the MedTech and pharmaceutical industries. While biosimilars will enhance access and expand treatment volumes, they will also introduce pricing pressures and supply chain complexities.

The drug delivery device industry will experience strong demand growth, driven by increased patient adoption and expansion into emerging markets such as India. However, procurement leaders must navigate a complex environment characterized by supply risks, capacity constraints, and geopolitical uncertainties.

Success in this evolving landscape will depend on strategic sourcing, supplier collaboration, and proactive risk management. Organizations that invest in resilient supply chains, localization strategies, and cost optimization will be best positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities while maintaining competitiveness.

Sources

1. “Patent expiration to drive biosimilars market expansion to 2032,” Apr. 11, 2024.
2. “$300 Billion in Pharma Revenue Loses Patent Protection by 2030,” Feb. 2, 2026.
3. “India Biosimilars Market Trends and Forecasts 2026–2035,” Feb. 16, 2026
4. “How demand for (and supply of) weight loss drugs is playing out in 2026,” Feb. 27, 2026.
5. “Ozempic Generic GLP-1 Drug Manufacturing Race in India,” Mar. 2026.
6. “Driving GLP-1 Drug Delivery & Packaging Excellence in Diabetes Self-Injection,” Dec. 19, 2025.
7. “Generic Semaglutide Enters Indian Market, Bringing Major Price Reductions,” Mar. 24, 2026.
8. “India’s Upcoming Semaglutide Boom: A Turning Point for GLP-1 Drugs, Pricing and Patient Access,” 2026.