The Delhi High Court on Monday backed Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. in its legal dispute with Novo Nordisk regarding the export and manufacture of semaglutide, a key ingredient for drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy that are used in diabetes and chronic weight management respectively.
Novo Nordisk had sought to appeal against an earlier court ruling in December 2025, with regards to Dr Reddy's being permitted to manufacture and export semaglutide to countries that were not covered under the former's patent for the product.
When Novo took the generic drug maker to court, alleging patent infringement, the single-judge bench ruled in favour of the latter stating that the company failed to justify its position. This permitted Dr Reddy's to manufacture semaglutide in India and export it to countries not covered by the patent.
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Novo's patent is set to expire on March 20, 2026. This implies that Indian generic drug companies will be permitted to manufacture and retail generic drugs that are identical to and provide the same function as Ozempic and Wegovy.
This development comes after Novo Nordisk was preparing to unveil its semaglutide based drug 'Extensior' in India, in partnership with Abbott India. The drug is expected to help patients manage type-2 diabetes.
Semaglutide, the molecule in Extensior, has demonstrated powerful HbA1c reduction, compelling weight-loss benefits, and proven risk reduction of cardiovascular and kidney events in people with type 2 diabetes. Rare side effects include pancreatitis and kidney and gallbladder problems.
Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, which was originally developed for diabetes, it mimics a hormone that slows digestion and helps people feel full longer.
The outcome of the case has notable implications for other drug makers in India seeking to export semaglutide-based drugs to countries not covered under Novo Nordisk's patent.
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