NEW DELHI: In a significant development in the blockbuster weight loss drug space, Delhi High Court has allowed Dr Reddy’s Labs to manufacture and export semaglutide, ruling that the patent held by Novo Nordisk is prima facie invalid, legal experts told TOI.The move is expected to boost confidence among domestic companies to pursue plans to enter high-growth Rs 850 crore obesity market. The case is being keenly watched in the industry as it could accelerate generic competition, ease supply constraints and reshape sourcing strategies for obesity and diabetes therapies across markets.With the patent expiry of semaglutide due in March next year, momentum is building in India as companies line up to launch generics, potentially widening access across price-sensitive segments. In a hearing on Tuesday, Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora said Dr Reddy’s had established a prima facie credible challenge against Novo Nordisk’s patent for semaglutide, the compound behind the blockbuster drug. The court allowed Dr Reddy’s to export products containing semaglutide to countries where Novo Nordisk does not enjoy patent protection.The ruling came in response to the injunction petition moved by the Danish drug company for the weight-loss drug semaglutide sold under the brand name Wegovy. A Novo Nordisk spokesperson said, “We do not wish to comment on this matter and are awaiting the certified copy of the order.”Recently, Novo Nordisk reduced the price for Wegovy by 37%, and tied up with Emcure Pharma to widen its reach, using the Pune-based company’s distribution channel and field force.The twin moves come as it looks to counter competition from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro, which has emerged as the number one brand in the domestic pharma retail market.
