Novo Nordisk moves Delhi High Court to block Sun Pharma’s semaglutide launch

Novo Nordisk has escalated the patent battle over semaglutide in India, moving the Delhi High Court to restrain Sun Pharma from launching its generic version of the diabetes and weight-loss drug.

The Danish drugmaker is looking to protect its market position around semaglutide, the active ingredient behind its blockbuster product Ozempic, as patent challenges mount in the country.

The company currently holds two key patents related to semaglutide. One expired in September 2024 while the second is scheduled to lapse in March 2026. The approaching expiry has triggered intense interest among Indian pharmaceutical companies eager to tap into the rapidly expanding market for diabetes and obesity therapies. Sun Pharma, in its recent quarterly earnings, had openly spoken about the opportunity and its intent to enter the segment.

Novo Nordisk’s fresh petition comes at a time when the company is already dealing with a setback. Just last week, the Delhi High Court allowed Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, which is producing semaglutide generics, to export the products to overseas markets. Novo Nordisk is now challenging that order even as it seeks to prevent Sun Pharma from moving forward with its own generic.

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Industry watchers note that Sun Pharma is not the only player gearing up for the opportunity. Companies such as Mankind Pharma and Cipla are also expected to seek entry into the market once the final patent expires in 2026. With several domestic manufacturers preparing to launch competing products, the legal tussle is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched disputes in India’s pharmaceutical sector.

The Delhi High Court will take up Novo Nordisk’s application tomorrow, a hearing that is expected to give early clarity on how the patent battle may unfold over the next year.