Delhi High Court Stops Sale of Weight Loss Drug Over Patent Dispute.

May 29, 2025 — The Delhi High Court has stopped Dr. Reddy’s Labs and OneSource Specialty Pharma from selling or marketing semaglutide (a diabetes and weight loss drug) in India for now. What is Semaglutide? It’s a powerful drug used for diabetes and weight loss, sold globally by Danish company Novo Nordisk under popular brand names Ozempic and Wegovy. Why the Ban? Novo Nordisk claims the Indian companies are infringing on its patent rights. The court agreed to pause sales until the matter is fully heard on August 19, 2025. What Can Indian Companies Do? They can still manufacture and export the drug to countries where Novo doesn't have a patent. But they can’t sell it in India yet. What’s Next? • Novo Nordisk plans to launch Wegovy in India soon, after delays due to global demand. • Dr. Reddy’s aims to sell its generic version in India by 2026, once patents expire. It expects this to be a big revenue source from FY27. • OneSource, a Bengaluru-based pharma company, is helping with drug packaging and production for Indian firms. Why It Matters? This case highlights how patent laws protect drug makers, but also how Indian pharma is gearing up to launch cheaper generics once patents expire. Bottom Line: Till August 19, Dr. Reddy’s and OneSource can’t sell semaglutide in India — but the patent war shows how high the stakes are in the booming weight-loss drug market.