An Indian pharmaceutical company is preparing to introduce a more affordable alternative to popular diabetes and weight-loss medications next month, according to industry sources and documents obtained by Reuters.
Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, headquartered in Hyderabad, is expected to roll out its generic semaglutide injection in India during March, marketing it under the brand name Obeda. The medication contains the same active ingredient found in Novo Nordisk’s widely-used diabetes treatment Ozempic and weight-loss medication Wegovy.
Government records show that the Indian drugmaker has submitted trademark applications for both the Obeda brand name and its associated logo.
When contacted for comment, a company representative stated: “As semaglutide is yet to be officially launched, it would not be appropriate to refer to or publish any name as the brand name at this stage.” The pharmaceutical company declined to specify whether their Obeda product will target diabetes treatment or weight management.
The timing coincides with approaching patent expiration dates, as semaglutide’s intellectual property protection in India concludes in March 2026. This has sparked competition among Indian drug manufacturers to develop cost-effective alternatives.
India faces significant health challenges that make such medications particularly relevant. The nation ranks second globally in adult diabetes cases, trailing only China, according to International Diabetes Federation data. Research published in The Lancet projects that India could see more than 440 million people classified as overweight or obese by 2050.
Company leadership has outlined ambitious sales projections for the new product. G.V. Prasad, who serves as Co-Chairman and Managing Director of Dr Reddy’s, revealed plans to distribute approximately 12 million injectable semaglutide pens during the initial year. The pricing strategy aims to undercut existing branded products substantially, potentially offering savings of up to 60%.
The company has secured regulatory permission to produce and distribute a generic equivalent of Ozempic, while still awaiting approval for a Wegovy alternative. Although Ozempic received official approval specifically for diabetes management, medical professionals frequently prescribe it for weight reduction purposes.
The competitive landscape intensified last year when both Novo Nordisk and American competitor Eli Lilly introduced their diabetes and weight-loss treatments to the Indian market. Lilly’s Mounjaro quickly achieved the distinction of becoming India’s highest-grossing medication by monetary value.
Acknowledging the competitive environment ahead, Prasad commented: “Everybody is going to launch, so we’ll have to figure out who will get market share.”
