Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has launched its oral semaglutide biosimilar, branded Obeda, in India to treat type 2 diabetes.
The launch comes soon after the India-based generics major introduced generic semaglutide injections in India.
The expiry of the semaglutide patent, the molecule in Novo Nordisk's weight-loss drugs Wegovy and Ozempic, in India in March, has attracted many generics majors to tap one of the fastest-growing segments globally.
According to Deloitte, obesity drugs now account for 25 percent of total pipeline value - a huge jump from just 1 percent in 2022.
It has replaced oncology as the largest contributor to pharmaceutical pipeline value.
Dr Reddy’s said Obeda has been approved by India's drug watchdog Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), following trials.
Oral semaglutide belongs to the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class of drugs used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
The category has also gained global attention for its weight-loss benefits.
GLP-1s receptor agonists include semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy and Ozempic by Novo Nordisk, and tirzepatide, manufactured by US-based Eli Lilly under the brand name Mounjaro.
Dr Reddy's recently launched its generic semaglutide injection in Canada.
