Biocon Gets U.S. Approval For Weight Loss Drug Liraglutide, With Market Potential At $127 Million
Biocon Limited has secured U.S. FDA approval for its Liraglutide Injection (gSaxenda®) for chronic weight management, marking a significant regulatory milestone. The approval targets a US $127 million market opportunity in the GLP-1 weight loss segment according to IQVIA data. CEO Siddharth Mittal emphasized this validates the company's scientific capabilities and integrated development platform, with plans for early commercialization to provide affordable treatment options.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Biocon Limited announced it has received approval from the U.S. FDA for its Liraglutide Injection, 18 mg/3 mL (6 mg/mL) single-patient-use prefilled pens (gSaxenda®) for chronic weight management. The drug-device combination formulation is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for treating chronic weight management.
FDA Approval Details
The approval represents a significant regulatory milestone for Biocon's complex formulation capabilities. Liraglutide is a synthetic analog of GLP-1 peptide administered as a once-daily injection, originally approved for medical use in the European Union in 2009 and in the United States in 2010 for diabetes treatment.
| Parameter: | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name: | gSaxenda® (Liraglutide Injection) |
| Strength: | 18 mg/3 mL (6 mg/mL) |
| Formulation: | Single-patient-use prefilled pens |
| Indication: | Chronic weight management |
| Administration: | Once-daily injection |
Market Opportunity and Strategic Impact
According to IQVIA MAT December 2025, the total addressable market opportunity for GLP-1 in weight loss in the U.S. was US $127 million. GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as one of the fastest growing therapeutic classes globally, driven by rising prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders, strong clinical outcomes, and increasing physician adoption.
Siddharth Mittal, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Biocon Ltd, stated that this approval marks a defining milestone for the company, validating their scientific depth and vertically integrated development and manufacturing platform. He emphasized the company's commitment to commercializing Liraglutide at the earliest to ensure U.S. patients benefit from a high-quality, affordable treatment option.
About GLP-1 and Liraglutide
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications help lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. These physiological hormones have multiple actions on glucose, mediated by GLP-1 receptors released from gut enteroendocrine cells. They control meal-related glycemic excursions through augmentation of insulin and inhibition of glucagon secretion, while also inhibiting gastric emptying and food intake actions.
| Timeline: | Approval Details |
|---|---|
| 2009: | Approved for medical use in European Union |
| 2010: | Approved in United States for diabetes |
| 2014: | U.S. FDA approval for weight management |
| 2015: | EMA approval for weight management |
| 2019: | FDA approval for children 10+ with type 2 diabetes |
Liraglutide was specifically approved by the U.S. FDA in 2014 for adults who are either obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. In 2019, it became the first non-insulin drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes in children since metformin was approved in 2000.
Company Profile
Biocon Limited, publicly listed in 2004, is an innovation-led global biopharmaceuticals company committed to enhancing affordable access to complex therapies for chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases. The company has developed and commercialized novel biologics, biosimilars, and complex small molecule APIs in India and several key global markets, as well as generic formulations in the US, Europe and key emerging markets.
Historical Stock Returns for Biocon
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +0.79% | +2.73% | +6.70% | +8.69% | +21.79% | +1.40% |


































