Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has announced the launch of Obeda, its oral semaglutide biosimilar, in the Indian market. Priced competitively, the tablets will be available starting at ₹99 per pill, marking a significant expansion for the company in the rapidly growing GLP-1 therapies segment for type 2 diabetes.
This introduction follows Dr. Reddy’s earlier launch of generic semaglutide injections in India and Canada, as Indian pharmaceutical firms intensify their focus on developing portfolios in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies, a class of drugs gaining global attention for both blood sugar control and weight management benefits.
Obeda Approved After Successful Clinical Trials
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) granted approval for Obeda after a comprehensive Phase III clinical study. This study involved 288 patients across India diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Dr. Reddy’s stated that the trials demonstrated Obeda's non-inferior efficacy and a safety profile comparable to the innovator oral drug.
Key results from the study included similar improvements in fasting and post-prandial blood glucose control, notable weight reduction, and overall glycaemic control. A significant proportion of patients achieved HbA1c levels below 7 percent at both 12 and 24 weeks, with no anti-drug antibodies detected during the trial period.
Flexible Dosing and Pricing
Obeda is available in three tablet strengths: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg, prescribed as a once-daily oral therapy. The pricing structure is set at ₹99 per tablet for the 3 mg dose, ₹135 for the 7 mg dose, and ₹225 for the 14 mg dose, making advanced diabetes care more accessible.
M.V. Ramana, Chief Executive Officer, Global Generics, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, emphasized the strategic importance of this launch. “The introduction of our oral semaglutide for patients with diabetes is a crucial step in our mission to broaden access to advanced diabetes care,” he stated. Ramana also highlighted the company’s commitment to building a comprehensive GLP-1 portfolio, noting that Obeda was developed and formulated in-house to ensure continuous supply and quality.
Addressing India's Diabetes Challenge
India presents a substantial market opportunity for diabetes and obesity therapies. According to data from the ICMR-INDIAB study, over 101 million adults in India currently live with diabetes, while nearly 136 million are classified as prediabetic. Furthermore, approximately 40 percent of adults experience abdominal obesity, which significantly elevates the risk of metabolic disorders.
Dr. Reddy's enters a market where competitors are also vying for a share. Torrent Pharmaceuticals had previously launched its oral semaglutide brand, Semalix, in India in March 2026, positioning it as one of the first domestic drugmakers in this segment, with therapy costs starting around ₹3,999 per month.