Sun Pharma Can Manufacture and Export Semaglutide but Cannot Sell in India Till Novo Nordisk Patent Ends: Delhi HC
The Court noted Sun Pharma’s commitment to export its semaglutide product solely to jurisdictions where Novo Nordisk lacks patent rights.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday 10 December 2025 recorded an undertaking from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. in which the company agreed not to sell its semaglutide based drug in the Indian market until March 20 2026, the date on which Novo Nordisk’s patent over the drug is scheduled to expire.
The undertaking was noted by Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, who permitted Sun Pharma to manufacture and export the drug to jurisdictions where no corresponding patent exists.
Semaglutide, marketed globally as Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, is a GLP 1 analogue used for type 2 diabetes and obesity and is known for its once weekly injectable regimen.
In its order, the Court directed Sun Pharma to file an affidavit reaffirming its undertaking and to submit details of exports made.
The company further stated that if the Court’s December 2 ruling in a related matter is appealed and modified in favour of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, it would seek to rely on such determination as well.
Recently, the Delhi High Court allowed Dr Reddy’s Laboratories to continue manufacturing and exporting semaglutide while dismissing Novo Nordisk’s plea seeking an interim injunction to halt production.
Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora held that Dr Reddy’s had raised a credible challenge to the validity of Novo Nordisk’s patent on the grounds of prior claiming, double patenting and obviousness.
The Court had permitted Dr Reddy’s to continue manufacturing the drug solely for export to jurisdictions where Novo Nordisk does not hold a patent.
Case Title: Novo Nordisk & Anr. v. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited
Bench: Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora
Hearing Date: 10 December 2025