Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd received permission from the Delhi High Court to export its diabetes and anti-obesity drug semaglutide to international markets. The ruling allows the BSE-listed company to manufacture the drug in India, although it cannot sell it domestically for now.
Court Allows Manufacturing
The order enables Dr Reddy’s to continue producing semaglutide, a key ingredient used in several Novo Nordisk medicines such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, prescribed for type-2 diabetes and weight-loss management. However, domestic sales remain restricted while the patent dispute continues. Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in India in June, pricing it between ₹17,000 and ₹25,000 per month. The company later approached the court, alleging that Dr Reddy’s and OneSource Specialty Pharma violated its patent by importing the active ingredient and formulating the drug without approval.
Patent Challenge
Novo Nordisk argued that even manufacturing drugs for export-only purposes amounts to patent infringement under the Patents Act, which grants patent holders exclusive rights to make, use, or export a patented invention.
Dr Reddy’s countered this claim on two grounds:
*The Danish drugmaker’s secondary patent lacked novelty and constituted an attempt at evergreening beyond the expiry of the primary patent.
*The company was exporting only to countries where no patent existed, making its actions legally compliant.
*OneSource Specialty Pharma presented similar arguments during the proceedings.
Companies Maintain No-Sales Pledge in India
Both Dr Reddy’s and OneSource had earlier assured the court that they would not sell or market their versions of semaglutide within India until the matter is resolved. The court’s latest order allows them to continue manufacturing and build export inventory without violating their previous commitments.
Positive Outlook for Export Markets and Future Launch
The decision provides a strategic advantage for Dr Reddy’s and OneSource. By permitting uninterrupted production, the ruling enables the companies to:
*Maintain supply chains for international markets
*Build inventory for future commercial rollout
*Prepare for a potential India launch once the patent expires
As reported by outlookbusiness.com, the development strengthens India’s growing position in global pharmaceutical manufacturing and export.
