Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has launched its oral semaglutide biosimilar for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in India under the brand name Obeda, strengthening its presence in the fast-growing GLP-1 therapy segment.
The launch follows the company’s recent generic semaglutide injection launches in India and Canada, positioning Dr Reddy’s as a full-stack player in GLP-1 therapies.
Targets India’s growing diabetes burden
Citing the ICMR-INDIAB study, the company said India has over 101 million adults living with diabetes, with a prevalence rate of 11.4%. Nearly 136 million individuals are prediabetic, while close to 40% of adults have abdominal obesity, placing them at higher risk of developing the disease.
Oral semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is prescribed as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The oral formulation is expected to offer patients a more convenient treatment option that may support earlier intervention and better adherence.
Approved after Phase III clinical study
Dr Reddy’s said its oral semaglutide biosimilar received approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) following a Phase III clinical study conducted in India involving 288 participants with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
According to the company, the study demonstrated non-inferior efficacy and a safety profile comparable to the innovator drug. Similar outcomes were observed in fasting and post-prandial plasma glucose control, weight loss and overall glycaemic management, including the proportion of participants achieving HbA1c levels below 7% at 12 and 24 weeks.
The company added that no anti-drug antibodies were detected during the study, while the immunogenicity profile remained comparable to the innovator therapy.
Available in three dosage strengths
Dr Reddy’s Obeda tablets are formulated using recombinant DNA-origin semaglutide active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and will be available in 3 mg, 7 mg and 14 mg strengths for once-daily oral use.
The company has priced the tablets at ₹99, ₹135 and ₹225 per tablet for the 3 mg, 7 mg and 14 mg doses, respectively.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Chief Executive Officer – Global Generics M.V. Ramana said the launch marks an important step in expanding access to advanced diabetes care.
“We recognise that every patient’s journey with diabetes is different, and treatment choices must reflect that diversity. With this launch, we are broadening our GLP-1 portfolio to offer patients more choice and flexibility,” Ramana said.
He added that the product has been developed and formulated in-house, enabling the company to ensure reliable supply and consistent quality.
“As we continue to build a comprehensive GLP-1 portfolio, we are focused on delivering innovation, high-quality and affordability, translating into meaningful treatment options and better long-term outcomes for people living with chronic metabolic diseases in India and beyond,” he added.