Once again, the Delhi High Court is in the spotlight, as the legal battle between Dr. Reddy’s vs Novo Nordisk grabs national attention. In a recent development, the court has formally asked Dr. Reddy’s to submit a reply in response to Novo’s patent infringement claim over the weight-loss drug semaglutide, marketed globally as Wegovy. This case isn’t just a local legal battle—it has far-reaching implications for global medicine. That’s why it’s important to understand every detail of the dispute, from the patent claims to the court’s next steps.
The Case Behind Novo’s Legal Move on Dr. Reddy’s
Novo Nordisk, a Denmark-based pharma company, holds an active Indian patent on semaglutide, a key ingredient used in its weight-loss drug Wegovy and diabetes drug Ozempic. Novo argued that they have the patent for the semaglutide formulation in the Indian patent, which is valid until March 2026.
In June 2025, Novo filed a case in the Delhi High Court, claiming that Indian drugmaker Dr. Reddy’s was working with semaglutide in a way that may violate their patent, likely by making or exporting it before the patent officially runs out.
Dr. Reddy, on the other hand, may argue that this action falls under Section 107A of the Indian Patent Act, also known as the Bolar exemption.
Bolar exemption:
The Bolar provision, sometimes referred to as the Bolar exemption, is a legal principle that permits generic drug producers to carry out research and development operations on patented medications. This is especially true when requesting regulatory approval for generic drug versions. This exception is essential for allowing generic medications to enter the market on time after the patent expires.
Delhi HC’s Perspective on the Novo–Dr. Reddy’s Patent Dispute
Novo Nordisk has alleged that Dr. Reddy’s is working with semaglutide, the key ingredient in its popular drug Wegovy, in a way that could violate its Indian patent, which is valid until March 2026.
During the initial hearings, the court noted that Novo has raised legitimate concerns, particularly around whether Dr. Reddy’s may have been manufacturing or exporting semaglutide formulations before the patent expires. The judge highlighted that the issue is significant due to the global demand and commercial value of semaglutide-based drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic.
While no final decision has been made yet, the court has officially asked Dr. Reddy’s to file a formal reply. The outcome will depend on whether Dr. Reddy’s actions fall under permitted legal exceptions—such as research use or regulatory filings—or if they amount to patent infringement. The next hearing will play a key role in determining the direction of this high-stakes legal battle.
What Is Ozempic? A Look at Novo Nordisk’s Blockbuster Drug
- Generic name: Semaglutide
- Type: A GLP-1 receptor agonist—a class of drugs that mimics a natural hormone (GLP-1) to regulate blood sugar, insulin levels, digestion, and appetite
- Primary use: Approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, helping to manage blood sugar levels
- Additional benefit: Proven to cause significant weight loss, which has led to widespread off-label use for obesity management
Ozempic has gained global attention not only for its effectiveness in diabetes care but also for helping users lose weight at levels comparable to bariatric surgery. Its rising popularity has triggered supply shortages in some countries and even fueled viral trends on social media, as people seek it out for weight loss, often without medical supervision.
Conclusion
The legal battle between Novo Nordisk and Dr. Reddy’s goes far beyond a simple patent dispute—it touches on critical issues like innovation, access to medicine, and the global demand for game-changing drugs like Ozempic. As the case unfolds in the Delhi High Court, its outcome could influence not just the future of semaglutide in India but also how countries balance intellectual property rights with public health needs.
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