Dr. Reddy's Banks on Semaglutide, Denosumab, and Abatacept to Counter Revlimid Revenue Decline
Key Insights
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories is strategically positioning three key launches—semaglutide in Canada, denosumab in the U.S. and Europe, and biosimilar abatacept—to offset declining revenues from generic Revlimid as its exclusivity period ends.
The company reported Q2 FY26 consolidated revenues of ₹8,805 crore, up 9.8% year-on-year, but faces margin pressure with gross margins moderating to 54.7% due to lower gRevlimid sales and U.S. price erosion.
Semaglutide awaits regulatory clearance in Canada with plans for launch in 87 countries, while denosumab has received positive opinion from European regulators with expected approval by December 2025.
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories is implementing a strategic pivot to counter the revenue impact from its declining generic Revlimid (lenalidomide) franchise, banking on three key product launches to restore growth momentum in its critical U.S. market. The Indian pharmaceutical major reported consolidated revenues of ₹8,805 crore in Q2 FY26, representing a 9.8% year-on-year increase, though margin pressures are mounting as the company's largest revenue driver approaches the end of its high-margin exclusivity period.
Strategic Product Pipeline Drives Growth Strategy
The company's growth strategy centers on three pivotal launches: semaglutide in Canada, denosumab in the U.S. and Europe, and biosimilar abatacept targeting rheumatoid arthritis (search). "Semaglutide, denosumab and abatacept are the three molecules that will help us mitigate the impact of declining Revlimid sales and bring back growth momentum," said M.V. Narasimham, Chief Financial Officer, in a post-earnings interview.
Semaglutide, the company's GLP-1 (search) therapy candidate, is currently awaiting regulatory clearance in Canada while the company simultaneously navigates patent litigation. Beyond Canada, Dr. Reddy's is preparing to launch semaglutide across 87 countries, including India, Brazil, and Turkey. The company has built 12 million pen capacity to support global deployment of the diabetes (search) and obesity (search) treatment.
Denosumab, licensed from Alvotech, has received a positive opinion from European regulators and is expected to secure approval in both the U.S. and Europe by December 2025. This biosimilar will mark Dr. Reddy's first direct distribution effort in the U.S. biosimilar market, representing a significant strategic shift for the company.
The abatacept biosimilar program includes two variants—intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SC) formulations. The IV version is slated for regulatory filing in December 2025 with potential commercial launch expected in early 2027, while the SC variant filing is planned for Q1 FY27.
Manufacturing Infrastructure and Regulatory Positioning
To support its biosimilar ambitions, Dr. Reddy's has invested in dedicated manufacturing facilities in Bachupally, Hyderabad. "We've invested in CCM4, CCM5 and FFM2 blocks to ensure readiness for regulatory inspections and commercial scale-up," Narasimham explained. The company currently maintains 75 ANDAs pending approval in the U.S., including several complex generics that could provide additional revenue streams.
During Q2, the company achieved regulatory milestones including the SEC's recommendation for Semaglutide approval under CDSCO and filed five new ANDAs while launching seven new products in the U.S. market.
Financial Performance Amid Transition Period
The company's Q2 FY26 results reflect the ongoing transition, with profit after tax rising 14% to ₹1,437 crore and EBITDA reaching ₹2,351 crore, translating to a 26.7% margin. However, gross margins moderated to 54.7% due to lower gRevlimid sales and price erosion in the U.S. base portfolio.
According to Equirus Research, Dr. Reddy's U.S. revenue declined by $25 million sequentially to $373 million in the quarter, primarily attributed to reduced gRevlimid contribution and price erosion in key products. The research firm noted that while gRevlimid will continue contributing through Q3, earnings could face sharp declines from Q4 onwards.
Despite near-term pressures, Narasimham expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, stating that while some quarters may experience pressure, the company expects single-digit growth in the U.S. over a two-to-three-year horizon.
Geographic Diversification and Market Expansion
Outside the U.S., Dr. Reddy's continues demonstrating strong performance across multiple markets. India revenues grew 13% year-on-year to ₹1,578 crore in Q2, supported by new brand launches and pricing growth despite GST revision impacts. The company advanced to ninth position in the Indian Pharmaceutical Market during the quarter, with leadership positions in stomatologicals and vaccines.
Europe showed exceptional growth of 138% year-on-year to ₹1,376 crore, boosted by the NRT acquisition, while emerging markets expanded 14% to ₹1,655 crore. M.V. Ramana, CEO – Branded Markets, emphasized the company's commitment to "sustaining double-digit growth through a combination of new launches, operational efficiency, and disciplined capital allocation."
Strategic Acquisitions and Portfolio Enhancement
The company completed a $50 million acquisition of Stugeron (search)® and related local brands from Janssen Pharmaceutica for 18 markets, including India and Vietnam. Additionally, Dr. Reddy's launched two novel gastrointestinal drugs in India—Tegoprazan (PCAB®) and Linaclotide (Colozo®)—during the quarter.
Ramana indicated continued openness to strategic partnerships, stating, "We are open to strategic partnerships that help expand our portfolio and access," while maintaining the company's aspiration "to achieve sustained growth with margins around 25% or better."
Market Outlook and Analyst Perspectives
Equirus Research maintains a cautious outlook, retaining a 'Short' rating with a December 2026 target price of ₹1,024, citing concerns about pipeline depth beyond gRevlimid and potential delays in regulatory approvals for key products. The firm expects EBITDA margins to decline to 19% by FY27, anticipating price erosion in Semaglutide and limited upside from complex generics.
However, company leadership remains optimistic about the GLP-1 (search) portfolio's potential. "We expect Semaglutide to be the first among our GLP-1 products to reach markets once patent expiries occur. The need for such therapies in India is significant, and accessibility through affordable pricing will help expand the category," Ramana noted.