MSN Laboratories has launched SEMABEST, its semaglutide brand, in the Indian market following approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). This reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding access to advanced therapies for chronic metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes. SEMABEST is priced at nearly 50 percent lower than the innovator drug, significantly improving affordability and patient access. The therapy is available as a pre-filled pen for subcutaneous administration.

Since March 20, 2026, the market has seen a surge of new entrants. In this evolving landscape, SEMABEST stands apart with its strong backward integration across in-house USDMF-grade API and formulation. The pen device is also made in India complying with global regulatory standards. SEMABEST represents a significant step forward in making complex peptide therapies more accessible, affordable, and scalable for Indian patients.

“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) and 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.

India is home to nearly 90 million people living with diabetes, with a significant proportion remaining undiagnosed or inadequately managed. The disease is often associated with serious complications, including cardiovascular disorders, kidney failure, and vision impairment, placing a substantial burden on patients and the healthcare system.

“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 and CMD, MSN Laboratories.

“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 six 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.