India Pharma Outlook Team | Wednesday, 15 April 2026
MSN 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.
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However, MSN differentiates itself through strong backward integration, including in-house production of USDMF-grade active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and formulation capabilities.
“The product has demonstrated bioequivalence to the reference (innovator) drug, with its performance further validated through phase III clinical studies conducted in direct comparison. The results showed comparable reduction in HbA1c levels, along with similar outcomes across key parameters including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial glucose (PPG) & weight loss. Semabest also exhibited a comparable safety profile, reinforcing its reliability as an effective therapeutic option.” said Dr Kamini Desai, head – medical affairs, MSN Laboratories.
Additionally, the injection pen device is manufactured in India and complies with global regulatory standards, reinforcing the company’s focus on quality and scalability.
“The launch of Semabest marks a defining step in our journey to make next-generation metabolic therapies more accessible and affordable. As the burden of diabetes continues to rise, we remain focused on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions that can make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives,” said Dr. MSN Reddy, founder & CMD, MSN Laboratories.
India faces a growing diabetes crisis, with nearly 90 million people living with the condition, many of whom remain undiagnosed or inadequately treated. Diabetes is linked to severe complications such as cardiovascular diseases, kidney failure, and vision impairment, placing a heavy burden on both patients and the healthcare system.
“MSN brings over a decade of expertise in complex peptide development, with its journey in this domain dating back to 2016 with the filing of its first USDMF for icatibant. Since then, the company has established a strong regulatory and scientific foundation, with 12 USDMFs for peptides and 6 US ANDAs for peptide formulations, supported by a broader portfolio of 560+ USDMFs and 400+ bioequivalent formulations globally. Leveraging its integrated R&D infrastructure and large-scale manufacturing capabilities, MSN is well positioned to ensure consistent supply, quality, and accessibility of Semabest across India.” said Bharat Reddy, executive director, MSN Laboratories.
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By introducing a lower-cost semaglutide option, MSN Laboratories aims to improve accessibility, affordability, and adoption of advanced peptide therapies in India. The launch of Semabest represents a critical move toward bridging the treatment gap in one of the world’s largest diabetes populations, while supporting the broader goal of enhancing chronic disease management through innovation and localized manufacturing.
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