Newz Desk, Durgapur: In a major development in the fast-growing global weight-loss drug segment, the Delhi High Court has permitted Dr Reddy’s Laboratories to manufacture and export semaglutide, ruling that the patent claimed by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk appears to be prima facie invalid, according to legal experts.
The decision is expected to significantly energise Indian pharmaceutical companies preparing to enter the booming ₹850-crore obesity drug market, which has seen unprecedented global demand.
The order is being closely monitored by industry leaders as it could accelerate generic competition, ease global supply pressures, and reshape sourcing strategies for obesity and diabetes therapies. With the patent for semaglutide scheduled to expire in March next year, several Indian players are lining up for early generic launches, potentially improving access to the weight-loss drug in price-sensitive markets.
During a hearing on Tuesday, Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora noted that Dr Reddy’s had raised a credible challenge to Novo Nordisk’s patent on semaglutide — the active compound behind blockbuster brands such as Wegovy. The court allowed Dr Reddy’s to export semaglutide-based products to countries where the Danish firm does not have patent protection.
Weight-Loss Drug Battle: Delhi HC Favors Dr Reddy’s Over Novo
The ruling came in response to an injunction request filed by Novo Nordisk, which sought to block Dr Reddy’s from producing the drug. The company, however, declined to comment, saying it was awaiting the certified court order.
The legal battle comes at a time when Novo Nordisk recently reduced the price of Wegovy by 37% in India and partnered with Emcure Pharma to expand distribution, in a strategic move to counter rising competition from Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro — now the top-selling brand in India’s pharma retail market.
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