- Dr Reddys will rename its semaglutide drug from Olymviq to Olymra after court direction
- Delhi High Court halted Olymviq sales due to similarity with Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic name
- Court cited risk of patient confusion and prescribing errors over similar drug names
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories said on Friday that it will change the brand name of its semaglutide drug from "Olymviq" to "Olymra" after the Delhi High Court directed it to halt the rollout and sale of the product over concerns of similarity with Novo Nordisk's "Ozempic".
The company told the court it will propose a new brand name, following the judge's observation that the existing name could create confusion in a pharmaceutical setting.
The direction comes as India opens up to generic versions of semaglutide after patent expiry, setting off a dispute over branding in a market where multiple low-cost copies are expected. The dispute centres on whether the name "Olymviq" is too similar to "Ozempic", a drug used for diabetes and weight management, raising concerns over patient safety and prescribing errors.
Dr. Reddy's and the court have indicated a preference for allowing the company to dispose of the stock within 30 days, while Novo Nordisk has sought destruction or relabelling of the inventory. The court said it is not inclined to order destruction of the stock at this stage.
Novo Nordisk sells the drug under brands including Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, and has argued that similarity in naming could lead to confusion among patients and prescribers. Dr. Reddy's has already launched its semaglutide product under the brand "Obeda."
A final decision on the matter will be taken on Monday.
ALSO READ: Biocon Names Shreehas Tambe CEO As Siddharth Mittal Steps Down
Court Stance
Earlier, the court restrained Dr. Reddy's from manufacturing, distributing or selling the drug under the "Olymviq" name until further hearing.
During the hearing, the Delhi High Court flagged the phonetic and visual similarity between the names "Olymviq" and "Ozempic", and said the similarity could potentially lead to consumer confusion, particularly in the pharmaceutical market where brand names play a critical role in prescriptions and dispensing.
The court also questioned the company's trademark filing, noting that it described "Olymviq" as "proposed to be used" despite claims that the product had already been launched. It said the house mark may not clearly distinguish the drug.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.