Dr. Reddy’s and Nestlé Health Science strengthens presence in diabetes & obesity nutrition space with Celevida® GLP+ launch

Dr. Reddy's and Nestlé Health Science Limited, a joint venture between Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd (BSE: 500124, NSE: DRREDDY, NYSE: RDY, NSEIFSC: DRREDDY; along with its subsidiaries together referred to as “Dr. Reddy’s”) and Nestlé India Limited (BSE : 500790, NSE: NESTLEIND) referred hereafter as “Nestlé India”, today announced the launch of Celevida® GLP+, a specialised scientifically designed product to support optimum nutrition intake and muscle mass maintenance for sustaining metabolic and functional health for people undergoing GLP-1/GIP therapy* for management of type 2 diabetes and obesity in India.

As GLP-1/GIP–based therapies become more widely adopted in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity, improving access to advanced treatment options for patients, it has become increasingly important to build an integrated ecosystem beyond medication. Encompassing nutrition, clinical monitoring and long-term patient support this ecosystem should be an enabler for sustained and holistic outcomes for patients managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. A critical component of this approach is addressing the nutritional gaps and muscle health challenges associated with these therapies to improve overall outcomes.

M.V. Ramana, CEO, Global Generics at Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited and Director, Dr. Reddy's and Nestlé Health Science Limited, “GLP-1 therapies represent a significant advancement in diabetes and obesity management. However, a clear unmet need remains in supporting patients beyond pharmacological treatment, particularly in addressing nutrition gaps and preserving muscle health during therapy. As patients experience changes in body composition, ensuring adequate nutrient intake and maintaining lean body mass become critical to sustaining long-term outcomes. With Celevida® GLP+, we aim to address this gap through a targeted, science-backed nutritional solution that complements pharmacological therapies and supports better overall patient outcomes in their everyday journey. As part of this commitment, we remain focused on advancing integrated, patient-centric solutions that enable more sustainable and holistic management of metabolic health.”

Insights from senior Indian clinicians highlighted a critical and often under-recognized risk: muscle loss during GLP-1/GIP therapy. Studies indicate that 25-40% of total weight loss associated with GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP therapies may be attributed to lean body mass loss (1,2). Experts noted that this risk may be amplified in Indians due to inherently lower baseline skeletal muscle mass and higher body fat mass, (3) which maybe further compounded by chronically low protein intake of approximately 0.6g/kg/day(4). This creates a dual vulnerability, making muscle preservation not just important, but essential for long-term metabolic health.

Clinical and expert consensus recommend increasing protein intake to 1.2–1.5 g/kg/day to help preserve muscle mass during weight loss, highlighting the need for customised nutritional support (5).

Addressing this need, Celevida® GLP+ has been scientifically designed and co-created with leading endocrinologists and diabetologists to address protein gaps and preserve muscle mass and function in individuals undergoing GLP-1/GIP therapy. It is formulated using fast-absorbing whey protein isolate (WPI), known to be gentle on the gut and suitable during periods of gastrointestinal intolerance commonly associated with GLP-1/GIP therapy.  Celevida® GLP+ provides 48 g of protein per 100 g, along with 100% RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). It also provides 27 essential nutrients, including vitamins A, D and calcium. Dr. Reddy's and Nestlé Health Science has an established presence in specialised nutrition for people with diabetes through its Celevida® Diabetes Nutrition, designed to support comprehensive diabetes management. The formulation is clinically proven to support sustained 24-hour blood glucose control and reduce HbA1c levels (6), and is characterised by a low glycaemic index (7), making it suitable for long-term metabolic management.