Zydus Lifesciences Limited has disclosed receiving a tax demand order worth Rs. 3.28 Cr from Gujarat state tax authorities for financial year 2019-20. The pharmaceutical company received the Order-In-Original from the Assistant Commissioner of State Tax, Gujarat, on March 24, 2026, at 18:16 p.m.

Nature of Tax Demand

The demand order has been issued under section 74 of the CGST Act, 2017, concerning alleged inadmissible availment of Input Tax Credit. The total demand of Rs. 3.28 Cr includes the principal amount along with interest and penalty components for the financial year 2019-20.

Company's Response Strategy

Zydus Lifesciences has expressed confidence in its position and intends to challenge the order through the appellate process. The company firmly believes it has strong merits to contest the demand and expects a favorable outcome based on legal precedents.

The company's management has indicated that based on past precedents of High Court and Supreme Court judgments on similar matters, they are hopeful of obtaining a favorable order on appeal. This suggests the company views the tax demand as legally contestable rather than a definitive liability.

Financial Impact Assessment

Despite the substantial demand amount, Zydus Lifesciences has stated that there will be no material financial impact on the company. This assessment appears to be based on the company's confidence in successfully appealing the order and the legal precedents supporting their position.

Regulatory Compliance

The disclosure has been made under Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, along with compliance to SEBI Circulars dated November 11, 2024, and December 31, 2024. This demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining transparency with stakeholders regarding material developments that could potentially impact its operations.

Zydus Lifesciences Limited has officially launched its Semaglutide injection in India, introducing an innovative healthcare solution for diabetes and obesity treatment. The company has received approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for manufacturing and marketing the injection for both Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and obesity indications.

Product Launch Details

The Semaglutide injection will be marketed under three distinct brand names to cater to different market segments:

Innovative Pen Device Technology

The launch introduces a breakthrough reusable multi-dose pen device that distinguishes Zydus' offering from existing treatment options. Unlike current alternatives that require patients to purchase multiple single-dose pens as they adjust their dosage, this innovative solution enables both clinicians and patients to conveniently select and administer different dose strengths from a single pen device.

The novel pen device offers several advantages:

• Enhanced patient convenience through single-device multiple dosing
• Improved treatment adherence due to user-friendly design
• Significant reduction in overall therapy costs
• Exclusive rights held by Zydus for the reusable pen technology
• Prefilled cartridge system for easy administration

Market Context and Health Impact

The launch addresses critical health challenges facing India, where diabetes and obesity represent serious public health concerns. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 8.9 crore adults in India are living with diabetes, representing 10.5 per cent of the country's adult population.

Obesity trends show alarming increases across demographics:

These statistics highlight the growing health crisis that GLP-1 based treatments like Semaglutide can help address. The treatment's dual indication for both diabetes and obesity positions it as a comprehensive solution for India's interconnected metabolic health challenges.

Manufacturing and Availability

Zydus will manufacture the Semaglutide injection at its Zydus Biotech Park facility in Ahmedabad. The 15mg/3ml cartridge format ensures consistent dosing while the reusable pen device provides long-term value for patients. The approximately Rs. 2,200 monthly treatment cost makes the therapy accessible compared to existing alternatives in the Indian market.

The launch follows patent expiry in India, enabling Zydus to introduce this important therapeutic option with its proprietary delivery system innovation.