Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Delhi HC Reserves Order on Novo Nordisk's Plea
The Delhi High Court is deciding a case between Novo Nordisk and Indian drug companies like Dr Reddy's and Sun Pharma.
Novo Nordisk wants to stop these companies from making and exporting a diabetes and weight-loss drug called semaglutide to countries where it's not patented.
The court initially allowed the Indian companies to export the drug but not sell it in India until the patent expires in 2026.
Novo Nordisk argues that the drug is unique and allowing exports would harm its business.
The court's decision will affect many Indian companies preparing to sell generic versions of the drug once the patent expires.
Delhi High Court reserved its verdict on Novo Nordisk's appeal against a single-judge order allowing Dr Reddy's to export semaglutide to non-patent jurisdictions.
Semaglutide is used to treat type-2 diabetes and obesity, marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy by Novo Nordisk.
The single judge ruled that Novo Nordisk failed to make a strong case for an interim injunction to restrain Dr Reddy's from exporting the drug.
Novo Nordisk argues that semaglutide has a unique chemical structure and allowing exports would cause irreparable harm to its global business.
The court's decision will impact Indian manufacturers like Dr Reddy's, Sun Pharma, and Natco, who are preparing to launch generic versions of semaglutide once the patent expires in March 2026.
- Who
- Novo Nordisk, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Delhi High Court
- What
- Legal dispute over semaglutide patent and exports
- When
- Hearing on December 2025, verdict reserved
- Where
- Delhi High Court, India
- Why
- Novo Nordisk seeks to prevent exports of generic semaglutide to non-patent jurisdictions
- Drug
- Semaglutide
- Companies Involved
- Novo Nordisk, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Patent Expiry
- March 2026
- Drug Uses
- Type-2 diabetes and obesity
- Market Growth
- GLP-1 segment grew from ₹186 crore to over ₹1,000 crore (Nov 2022-Nov 2025)