Another patent infringement fight over Wegovy (semaglutide) has reached the Delhi High Court. This time, the Wegovy Patent Case India is between two drugmakers from different parts of the world: Natco Pharma, the Hyderabad-based generics challenger, and Novo Nordisk, Natco Pharma Ltd, the Hyderabad-based generics manufacturer, filed a case against Novo Nordisk the Danish drugmaker, over rights linked to the blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy (semaglutide) on Wednesday.
An Overview of the Natco Pharma vs. Novo Nordisk Wegovy Patent Dispute
The fight began when Natco Pharma developed its own version of semaglutide and argued that it did not violate any of Novo Nordisk’s patent rights. On the other side, Novo Nordisk had already launched its branded drug Wegovy (semaglutide) in India in June 2025, pricing it in a very high range — between ₹17K and ₹25K monthly. This sharp difference set the stage for a legal clash, with Natco aiming to bring a more affordable version to patients, while Novo fights to protect its patents and market control.
This isn’t Novo Nordisk’s first patent clash in India over semaglutide. The company is also accusing Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories of patent infringement and violation of its intellectual property rights (IPR). The Delhi High Court then stopped the companies from selling the drug in India, while still allowing them to manufacture it for export to other countries. The case remains ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for August 19, 2025.
What is the Reason that Natco Pharma Filed the Case Against Novo Nordisk
Natco Pharma went to court because it wants to protect its right to bring out its own version of semaglutide, the main ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s weight-loss drug Wegovy.
- Natco’s stand – The company says its medicine does not copy or break Novo’s patents, and it should be allowed to make and sell it legally.
- No reply from Novo – Natco says it tried to talk with Novo about this, but got no response, so it had no choice but to file a case.
- Patent ending soon – Novo’s patent will end in March 2026. Natco wants to be ready to launch its version quickly once the patent expires.
- High prices – Wegovy is very expensive in the Indian market (₹17K–26K per month). If Natco wins, it can sell a much cheaper option, reach more patients, and gain a strong place in the fast-growing weight-loss drug market.
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What Did the Delhi High Court Say in the Wegovy Patent Dispute?
- The Delhi High Court asked Natco Pharma and Novo Nordisk to first try mediation before moving ahead with a full trial.
- The court’s aim is to see if both sides can settle the dispute peacefully without a long legal fight.
- Only if talks fail will the court look into the patent arguments in detail.
Why Wegovy (Semaglutide) Matters in India’s Obesity Drug Market
Wegovy (semaglutide) is seen as a game-changer in India’s fight against rising obesity and lifestyle diseases. Though it is costly, priced between ₹17K and ₹26K per month, the drug has created strong interest among doctors and patients because of its proven results in weight loss. The Indian obesity drug market, currently around ₹700 crore, is expected to grow rapidly and touch nearly ₹8,000 crore by 2030, making Wegovy and its future generic versions some of the most sought-after treatments in the coming years.
Conclusion
This case has lots of importance as India’s demand for weight-loss drugs grows; the outcome of this case will shape how soon patients can get affordable treatment. The Natco Pharma vs. Novo Nordisk dispute is more than a patent fight—it reflects the larger struggle between innovation and accessibility. With India’s demand for weight-loss drugs growing rapidly, the outcome of this case will decide how quickly patients can gain access to affordable treatment and shape the future of the obesity drug market in the country
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