| |APRIL 20268TOP STORIESMSN LAUNCHES LOW-COST SEMAGLUTIDE DIABETES DRUG IN INDIAFDA SEEKS ADDITIONAL SAFETY DATA FROM LILLY ON WEIGHT-LOSS PILLAYUSH PREMIUM MARK BOOSTS GLOBAL DEMAND FOR INDIAN HOMEOPATHYESSENTIAL DRUGS PRICE HIKE: IRAN WAR IMPACT PUSHES COSTS UP 5 PERCENTBAJAJ GROUP TO INVEST RS 2,500 CRORE IN HEALTHCARE NETWORKMSN Laboratories has announced the launch of Semabest, its branded version of Semaglutide, in the Indian market after receiving approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).The launch marks a significant step in expanding access to advanced therapies for chronic metabolic conditions, particularly type 2 diabetes. Semabest is priced at nearly 50% lower than the innovator drug, making it a more affordable option for millions of patients.The therapy is delivered via a pre-filled pen for subcutaneous administration, aligning with global standards for ease of use and treatment adherence.The launch comes amid increasing competition in India's diabetes drug market, which has seen a surge of new entrants since March 20, 2026. POThe US Food and Drug Administration has asked Eli Lilly to submit additional safety data for its newly approved weight-loss pill, Foundayo, even as the drug begins entering the market.India's homeopathy industry is seeing a steady rise in global demand, supported by the government's push to improve quality standards through the AYUSH Premium Mark initiative. Experts believe this move is helping build trust in Made in India homeopathic products and strengthening their presence in international markets.The initiative, led by the Ministry of AYUSH, focuses on ensuring that products meet high-quality benchmarks that are recognised worldwide. This comes at a time when people across the globe are increasingly turning toward natural healthcare and alternative forms of treatment. POThe essential drugs price hike due to the Iran war is starting to reflect in India's pharmaceutical market, with reports indicating that prices of key medicines may rise by up to 5 percent in the near term. The increase is being linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which are disrupting trade routes and pushing up global logistics costs. Shipping delays and higher freight charges are among the first visible effects. Key routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz have become more uncertain, leading to increased insurance and transportation expenses for exporters and importers. These added costs are gradually moving through the supply chain. POThe Bajaj Group has announced its entry into India's healthcare sector with an investment of INR 2,000­INR 2,500 crore to build an integrated healthcare network. This move marks a major diversification for the long-established business group as it looks to expand beyond its traditional sectors.The new venture, Bajaj Integrated Health Systems, aims to create a connected healthcare ecosystem rather than relying only on hospitals. The plan includes setting up multispecialty hospitals, neighbourhood clinics, day-care centres, and home healthcare services. The idea is to offer patients treatment across different stages of care in a more accessible and efficient way. POFoundayo (orforglipron) is a once-daily oral treatment that belongs to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs help control appetite and blood sugar levels, making them effective for obesity treatment. The pill has shown encouraging results in clinical trials, helping patients achieve meaningful weight loss and offering a convenient alternative to injectable treatments. PO
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