Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has launched its injectable semaglutide under the brand name Obeda, marking an important step in expanding access to advanced GLP 1 receptor agonist-based therapy for the management of type 2 diabetes in India. The company has been the first Indian company to receive Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approval for generic semaglutide. This launch underscores the company’s Day 1 entry into the segment upon patent expiry, demonstrating its readiness to serve unmet patient needs in India.

The company’s Obeda injection is available in 2 mg and 4 mg strengths and comes in a pre- filled, disposable pen designed for subcutaneous, once a-week administration, with robust cold chain integrity maintained throughout distribution. Each pen of both strengths will deliver a minimum of 4 weekly doses. The cost to the patient will be Rs 4,200 per month for both the strengths. Additionally, in a human factors study involving 41 participants completing around 20 key tasks aligned with the USFDA’s guidance for drug-device combination products, the Obeda pen demonstrated non inferior user performance outcomes compared with the innovator pen. 

As part of its patient support programme for Obeda, the company has developed SemaKare, a comprehensive support system to enhance and streamline the patient journey. Supported by a digital app, SemaKare offers onboarding guidance, field device counsellor assistance, injection training, tele support, therapy adherence monitoring, and so on, to help improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Further, the company aims to build an integrated care ecosystem by setting up metabolic centres of excellence across India. These centres will serve as integrated hubs for advancing diabetes and other metabolic disorders treatment by focusing on healthcare professional (HCP) education, evidence-based management, and real-world evidence generation. The initiative will help in strengthening diagnostic capabilities and infrastructure, while building the skills of support staff through structured training programmes. Additionally, the company aims to address the nutritional requirements of patients on GLP 1/GIP therapies by leveraging key products from its joint venture, Dr. Reddy’s Nestlé Health Science, including Celevida GLP+, Optifast and so on. These products support improved nutrient intake and muscle mass maintenance, offering targeted nutrition that is essential for sustaining metabolic and functional health.

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories is a multinational pharmaceutical company based in Hyderabad, Telangana in India. It manufactures and markets a wide range of pharmaceuticals in India and overseas.