Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Semaglutide Patent Battle Heats Up
Semaglutide is a medicine used for weight loss and diabetes.
Its patent is expiring soon in India, and many companies want to make and sell cheaper versions.
Novo Nordisk, the original maker, is fighting to protect its patent.
Natco Pharma and other Indian companies are challenging Novo Nordisk in court.
Novo Nordisk has also launched a new, cheaper pill version of semaglutide in the US.
The outcome of these legal battles will decide who can sell these medicines and where.
Natco Pharma has filed a patent revocation petition against Novo Nordisk in the Delhi High Court.
Novo Nordisk's Indian patent for semaglutide expires in March 2026, with significant market opportunities.
Indian companies like Dr Reddy’s and Sun Pharma are preparing to export generic semaglutide, facing legal challenges from Novo Nordisk.
Novo Nordisk has launched a cheaper pill version of semaglutide in the US, priced at $149 per month for the starting dose.
The legal battles and market competition are shaping the future of semaglutide sales in India and globally.
- Who
- Novo Nordisk, Natco Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Sun Pharma, Eli Lilly
- What
- Legal battle over semaglutide patent and market competition
- When
- Patent expiry in India in March 2026, US pill launch in January 2026
- Where
- India, US, global markets
- Why
- To secure market share and revenue from semaglutide and its generic versions
- Drug
- Semaglutide (Wegovy)
- Patent Expiry in India
- March 2026
- Estimated Revenue Opportunity
- ₹5000 crore
- Key Markets
- India, Brazil, Canada, US
- Generic Drugmakers
- Dr Reddy’s, Sun Pharma, Natco, Apotex, Teva Pharma, Aspen
- Regulatory Hurdles
- Approval delays, intellectual property issues
- Novo Nordisk's Stance
- Patent upheld in China, low-single-digit impact on sales in 2026
- Wegovy Pill Price in US
- $149 per month for 1.5mg dose
- Wegovy Pill Availability
- US only (as of January 2026)
