Natco vs Novo Nordisk: Delhi High Court Directs Mediation in Wegovy Patent Dispute

The case came up for hearing on Wednesday.

A senior lawyer familiar with the matter told Economic Times, "The court has directed the parties to engage in a 'pre-litigation mediation', an attempt to bury the dispute through mutual settlement before the case can be heard on deeper nuances such as non-infringement of patents."

Lawyers representing Natco Pharma informed the court that in recent months, the company had approached Novo Nordisk to communicate on its non-infringing patents but had not received any response, according to people familiar with the case.

Also Read: Natco Pharma Partner Mylan Settles Patent Litigation With Novo Nordisk Over generic Ozempic In US

Industry experts stated Novo Nordisk’s reluctance to respond may be linked to protecting the commercial prospects of Wegovy. "A clear communication from the innovator may trigger a generic launch of the drug in India, sinking the prospects for Wegovy's sales and so that may be seen as a delaying tactic," an expert told ET on condition of anonymity.

Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in India in June 2025, shortly after global rival Eli Lilly rolled out its patented brand Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in March. Lilly recently followed it up with the launch of Mounjaro in an easy-to-use pen device form, improving upon earlier injectable syringes.

This is not Novo Nordisk’s first legal battle over semaglutide in India. In May, the Danish major had sued Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and contract manufacturer OneSource in the Delhi High Court, alleging infringement of valid patents and claiming the two were importing large quantities of the semaglutide active ingredient for making and exporting formulations. However, the court directed Novo Nordisk to furnish evidence since “there was no substantive proof to back such claims.” Earlier that same month, Dr Reddy’s had separately filed a revocation suit challenging Novo Nordisk’s patents.

The patent for semaglutide in India is due to expire in March 2026, a development expected to trigger a wave of generic launches. At least seven companies are reportedly preparing to enter the space, which could push prices down by nearly 80% from the current monthly treatment cost of Rs 17,000–26,000.

Analysts estimate that the Indian obesity drug market could expand more than tenfold, from Rs 700 crore at present to nearly Rs 8,000 crore by 2030, on the back of aggressive marketing, faster adoption by doctors, and growing patient demand.