Dr Reddy's Wins Ozempic Patent Fight in India

In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has permitted Dr Reddy's Laboratories to continue producing and exporting its semaglutide drug, a key component in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic. Novo Nordisk had sought an injunction, alleging patent infringement, but the court found that Dr Reddy's presented a strong challenge to the validity of Novo Nordisk's patent.

The court's decision hinges on allegations of 'double patenting' and 'evergreening' by Novo Nordisk. It was noted that the company may have secured multiple patents for minor variations of the same compound, thereby artificially extending its market monopoly beyond the original patent's term.

This ruling allows Dr Reddy's to proceed with its manufacturing and export operations. The court concluded that Novo Nordisk's patent practices, specifically regarding the disclosure of the semaglutide compound, warranted further examination, paving the way for generic competition.