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Dr Reddy's Changes Drug Name to Olymra Amid Ozempic Confusion Row

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has informed the Delhi High Court it will change the brand name of its semaglutide drug from 'Olymviq' to 'Olymra'. The court had raised concerns that the original name was phonetically and visually too similar to Novo Nordisk's widely known drug 'Ozempic', risking confusion. The dispute emerges as India opens the market to generic versions of semaglutide following patent expiry, intensifying competition. The company also markets an injectable semaglutide under the brand 'Obeda' and is the first Indian firm to receive DCGI approval for the generic.

Key Points: Dr Reddy's Renames Semaglutide Drug to Olymra After Court Order

  • Court flagged name similarity to Ozempic
  • Company to propose new brand name Olymra
  • First Indian firm with DCGI approval for generic semaglutide
  • Dispute arises as India opens to generic versions post-patent
2 min read

Dr Reddy's Labs to change drug name to 'Olymra' amid court scrutiny: Report

Dr Reddy's Laboratories will rename its semaglutide drug from Olymviq to Olymra after Delhi High Court flagged confusion with Novo Nordisk's Ozempic.

"With this launch, we aim to expand access to advanced diabetes therapies and address unmet patient needs in India. - Erez Israeli"

New Delhi, March 27

Major drug maker Dr. Reddy's Laboratories on Friday told the Delhi High Court that it will change the brand name of its semaglutide drug from 'Olymviq' to 'Olymra', a report said on Friday.

The company informed the court that it would propose a new brand name following the judge's observation that the existing name could lead to confusion in a pharmaceutical setting.

The dispute comes as India opens up to generic versions of semaglutide following patent expiry, triggering competition among drugmakers and disputes over branding.

The company also said it is the first Indian firm to receive approval from the Drugs Controller General of India for generic semaglutide.

The case centres on whether 'Olymviq' is too similar to 'Ozempic', a widely used drug for diabetes and weight management, as per NDTV Profit.

The company earlier announced that it has launched its injectable semaglutide under the brand name 'Obeda', marking an important step in expanding access to GLP-1 receptor agonist-based therapy for the management of Type 2 diabetes in India.

"With this launch, we aim to expand access to advanced diabetes therapies and address unmet patient needs in India," said Erez Israeli, Chief Executive Officer of Dr Reddy's Laboratories.

During the hearing, the court flagged the phonetic and visual similarity between the two names, noting that such resemblance could lead to confusion among patients, doctors and pharmacists, the report added.

Earlier, the court had directed the company to halt the rollout and sale of the product over concerns of similarity with Novo Nordisk's "Ozempic".

Novo Nordisk markets semaglutide under multiple brands, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.

Shares of Dr Reddy's Laboratories traded around 2 per cent lower at Rs 1,274.75, an intraday low on the BSE as of 2 p.m..

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is why we need strong Indian pharma companies! First to get approval for generic semaglutide. It will bring down costs so much. My father needs this medicine and the original is too expensive. Dr. Reddy's, please launch 'Obeda' and 'Olymra' soon!
V
Vikram M
The court did the right thing by intervening. Olymviq and Ozempic do sound similar. In a country with millions of diabetes patients, clarity in medication is crucial. A small delay now is better than a lifetime of confusion and potential errors.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the generic market opening up. But honestly, why did their branding team choose such a similar name in the first place? It feels like they were trying to ride on Ozempic's brand recall, which isn't a great look for a reputable company like Dr. Reddy's.
R
Rohit P
The stock dip is temporary. Long-term, this is fantastic news for Indian healthcare. More competition = lower prices. Jai Hind to our pharma sector! 🇮🇳 Hope other companies also get approval soon.
M
Meera T
As a doctor, I appreciate the court's attention to detail. In busy OPDs, similar names can lead to prescription errors. Olymra is a clear improvement. Looking forward to prescribing a more affordable option for my patients.

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