Shares of **Natco Pharma** and **Eris Lifesciences** surged on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, following the announcement of a strategic partnership to commercialize **Semaglutide** in the Indian market. The collaboration aims to leverage Natco’s manufacturing and regulatory capabilities alongside Eris's extensive commercial reach in the diabetes and metabolic care segments. Natco Pharma recently secured approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (**CDSCO**) to manufacture the generic version of the blockbuster GLP-1 drug, which is widely used for Type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Market Reaction and Price Action The announcement triggered a strong rally in both stocks during Tuesday's trading session: * **Natco Pharma:** Shares jumped **5.8%** to reach **₹944.75** on the NSE. This marked the stock's highest level since early January, with heavy trading volumes exceeding **10.3 million** shares. * **Eris Lifesciences:** The stock climbed **2.83%** to finish at **₹1,391.00**, extending its winning streak to a third consecutive session. The Semaglutide Opportunity The partnership is timed to capitalize on the patent expiry of the innovator molecule in India, scheduled for **March 2026**. Generic entry is expected to drastically reduce treatment costs. While innovator brands currently retail between **₹8,800** and **₹11,175** per month, market estimates suggest generic versions could eventually retail for approximately **₹5,000**, making the therapy accessible to India's vast middle-class population. Sector Outlook The Indian GLP-1 receptor agonist market is projected to grow at a **19.1% CAGR** from 2026 to 2033, potentially reaching a revenue of **$730.8 million**. India currently houses approximately **135 million** pre-diabetic adults and is the world’s largest sugar consumer. The shift toward more affordable, locally manufactured Semaglutide is seen as a major catalyst for the domestic pharmaceutical sector, as firms like Natco and Eris position themselves to lead the next generation of metabolic care. Eris has invested nearly **₹4,000 crore** over the last three years to strengthen its chronic therapy portfolio, including its recent acquisition of Biocon’s domestic branded formulations business. For Natco, the deal provides a high-volume commercial outlet for its complex generic pipeline.