Dr. Reddy’s preps semaglutide pill launch in FY27, as GLP‑1 market opens up in India

MV Ramana DRL

• Dr. Reddy’s to release oral semaglutide for diabetes, weight loss
• Awaiting final approval, plans full-stack launch in India FY27
• Global rollout planned, targeting 45 markets after patent expiry

Did our AI summary help?

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is preparing for what could become one of its most significant launches in years, oral semaglutide, the much‑watched GLP‑1 pill used for diabetes and weight management.

“We are ready with all formats, including the oral,” says M.V. Ramana, CEO of Branded Markets (India & Emerging Markets) in interview to Moneycontrol on the sidelines of BioAsia2026 in Hyderabad. Oral semaglutide is already approved by India’s Subject Expert Committee (SEC), and Dr. Reddy’s is now awaiting the final nod from the national drug regulator, the CDSCO/ DCGI. With no patent barriers in India for the oral version, the company plans to bring the pill soon after the injectable launch in FY27.

Novo Nordisk markets oral semaglutide pills under brand name  Rybelsus in India, approved for Type 2 diabetes. The US has approved a high-dose Wegovy pill (25 mg/50 mg) for chronic weight management, marking the first oral GLP-1 for obesity.

Prepping for a big-bang Launch

Ramana said Dr Reddy's is gearing up to launch generic version of Novo Nordisk's Ozempic (semaglutide injectable version) on March 21st. Dr. Reddy's received marketing authorisation in India to sell semaglutide for diabetes. Ramana said they are in process for securing approval for weight loss as well.

While Ramana refuses to reveal exact pricing, he hints at a market-driven strategy. “It will be competitive,” he says—stressing that backward integration in API and formulations will allow the company to withstand price wars, especially against peers importing ingredients from China.

Analysts expect semaglutide to become a $1‑billion market in India alone over time. With oral formulations simplifying access and reducing stigma associated with injectables, the pill could dramatically expand usage.

Full-stack launch strategy

To tap the massive unmet need, Dr. Reddy’s is lining up a full-stack launch strategy. The company is collaborating with international obesity societies to train doctors in evidence-based treatment protocols. The company is planning to set up Obesity Centers of Excellence:  These clinics—co-created with healthcare practitioners and hospitals, will combine clinical support, evidence generation and digital tools to offer long-term patient handholding.

The company is also planning to leverage its partnership with Nestlé and in-house R&D in Hyderabad, the company has developed GLP‑1‑specific nutritional products tailored to protein and muscle requirements of patients on semaglutide.

India is facing a dual epidemic: 100 million diabetics and 135 million pre-diabetics, along with rapidly rising obesity levels. “The burden is significant,” Ramana says, adding that GLP‑1s offer a triple benefit: clinically meaningful HbA1c reduction, low hypoglycemia risk, and weight loss with organ protection.

“This isn’t a pill‑alone condition,” Ramana says. “Patients need nutrition support, follow-ups, and behavior guidance. We’re preparing end-to-end.”

International rollout

With regulatory approval and Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (COPP) in hand in India, Dr Reddy's is filing dossiers across 45 markets where patent expiries open up opportunities in FY27.

Ramana said the company has commercialize infrastructure to market the drug directly in Southeast Asia, China, Australia, North Africa, South Africa and Latin America. In Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other non-core regions, it will rely on partners.

Canada—one of the largest semaglutide markets—has already initiated queries on Dr. Reddy’s dossier. “We’ve responded comprehensively and now await their decision,” Ramana notes.

In Brazil, another huge GLP‑1 market, semaglutide filings of multiple companies—including Dr. Reddy’s partners—are under active review. Saudi Arabia and other GCC markets will be handled by partners, particularly as the region accelerates approvals for GLP‑1 competitors.

More GLPs

Dr. Reddy’s isn’t stopping with semaglutide. The company is developing “all important GLPs” and next‑generation incretin innovations, signalling a long-term bet on metabolic disease as a therapeutic category. “This category is going to benefit a very large number of patients worldwide. We’re preparing for that scale,” Ramana added.