Diabetes Treatment: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company, has received approval from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to manufacture and market a generic oral (taken by mouth) version of ‘semaglutide’.
The medication is to be taken once daily. It has been specifically approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and for improving glycemic control (blood sugar management). Therapeutically, this drug is equivalent to ‘Rybelsus’, a medication developed by Novo Nordisk.
According to a report by ET Pharma, the drug has been approved in three different dosage strengths: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg. It is manufactured using recombinant DNA (r-DNA) technology and will be produced at Sun Pharma’s manufacturing facility located in Kamrup, Assam.
The ET report further notes that the active pharmaceutical ingredient (raw material) for this medication will be sourced from ‘Zhongmeihuadong Pharmaceutical’, based in Hangzhou, China.
The patent for semaglutide expired in early 2026. Torrent Pharma was the first Indian company to launch a generic oral version of semaglutide, under the brand names ‘Semalix’ and ‘Sembolic’. Prior to Sun Pharma’s entry, Torrent Pharma held the largest market share among generic oral versions of this medication. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories also sells a generic version of oral semaglutide under the brand name ‘Obeda’.
Sun Pharma’s GLP-1 Expansion
Previously, Sun Pharma received approval in India for injectable semaglutide, which the company launched under the brand names ‘Sematrinity’ (for Type 2 diabetes) and ‘Noveltreat’ (for long-term weight management).
With the addition of this daily oral tablet, Sun Pharma now has a comprehensive portfolio of both oral and injectable GLP-1 therapies.
Retail Pricing
Although Sun Pharma has not yet announced the retail price for its medication, Dr Reddy’s ‘Obeda’ is priced at ₹99, ₹135, and ₹225 for the 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg doses, respectively.
Diabetes Treatment in India
The arrival of oral semaglutide in the Indian market marks a significant shift in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated metabolic conditions.
Previously, oral semaglutide, such as Novo Nordisk’s ‘Rybelsus ‘, was priced quite high, limiting its use primarily to the upper-middle-class population in urban areas. Domestic manufacturing by Sun Pharma, alongside the presence of other generic drug makers like Torrent Pharma and Dr Reddy’s, has introduced significant price competition, making GLP-1 therapy much more affordable.
Starting treatment with a once-daily pill is convenient, as it eliminates the need for injections or complex medication storage requirements. This encourages patients to begin treatment early in the course of the disease and adhere to their medication regimen consistently.
India has a very high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes, often earning it the title of the “diabetes capital of the world.” Due to factors such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, many individuals develop the condition at a young age. Oral semaglutide not only significantly lowers HbA1c levels but also aids in weight loss by slowing down gastric emptying and promoting a sense of fullness. It helps address the underlying cause of insulin resistance.
Also Read: The Hidden Cost of Care: Is Patient Referral in Indian Healthcare a Scam?
