New Delhi, March 13 -- A blockbuster diabetes drug will soon be available to Indian patients at a tenth of its cost, as its patent expires. At least four Indian generics players have launched cheaper variants of the drug, which is used to treat type-2 diabetes as well as heart and kidney ailments.

German pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim's diabetes drug empagliflozin went off patent on Tuesday, and India's top generics makers lost no time in introducing ultra-cheap versions of the drug, which also aids in moderate weight loss. Industry players say the drug holds significant promise for volume growth as it becomes more affordable.

India-focused drug makers like Mankind Pharma, Alkem Laboratories, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and C...