Dr. Reddy's Cleared by Delhi HC to Export Semaglutide Generics of Novo Nordisk

Dr. Reddy's Cleared to Export Semaglutide Generics

An Indian court has given Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd the go-ahead to produce and export generic versions of Novo Nordisk A/S's drugs for obesity and diabetes, prior to the expiration of global patents in 2026.

The Delhi High Court rejected Novo Nordisk's request to halt semaglutide production in an interim order issued on December 2. The court has permitted Dr. Reddy's to export to markets lacking patent protection, based on the Indian company's pledge not to sell the products locally until Novo's patent expires.

Semaglutide is the key ingredient found in Novo's diabetes medication, Ozempic, and its weight-loss treatment, Wegovy. Health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor the effects of such medications.

Dr. Reddy's, a leading Indian drug manufacturer, intends to supply non-branded semaglutide to more than 80 countries. This move places them among a growing number of generic drug producers from India and China, as well as companies like Sandoz and Aspen, as patents expire in important markets like Canada and Brazil.

The court noted that the Danish company's two patents on minor variations of the compound could be considered evergreening, a practice prohibited in India. Dr. Reddy's was also instructed to maintain records of both production and sales.

Novo Nordisk retains the option to appeal the decision before the Supreme Court.