Dr. Reddy's 'Olymviq' Sale Extended 30 Days by Court Amid Novo Nordisk Row

HEALTHCAREBIOTECH

Overview

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has secured a 30-day legal extension to sell its semaglutide stock under the brand name 'Olymviq'. The Delhi High Court's interim order allows disposal of inventory before the drug is rebranded as 'Olymra'. This follows a trademark challenge by Novo Nordisk, which argued the name was too similar to its popular drug 'Ozempic', raising concerns about market confusion in India's fast-growing generic semaglutide segment.

Court Allows Temporary Sales Window

The Delhi High Court has granted Dr. Reddy's Laboratories a 30-day window to sell its existing semaglutide stock under the brand name 'Olymviq'. This interim order allows Dr. Reddy's to sell the inventory before rebranding the drug to 'Olymra', a move prompted by a legal challenge from Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk.
The court indicated it was unwilling to order the destruction of the current stock, preferring instead to allow for its managed disposal. Dr. Reddy's had previously told the court it intended to propose a new brand name to settle the dispute.

Novo Nordisk Cites Trademark Concerns

Novo Nordisk, a major player in the GLP-1 drug market, sued Dr. Reddy's, arguing that 'Olymviq' sounded too similar to its established semaglutide brands, especially 'Ozempic'. The company contended that this similarity could confuse patients and doctors, potentially affecting patient safety and brand recognition.

Generic Semaglutide Market Dynamics

This legal dispute comes as India gains access to generic semaglutide versions after patent expirations. The market expects numerous low-cost copies, intensifying competition and making brand names a critical battleground for market entry and consumer perception. Dr. Reddy's also markets its semaglutide product under the brand "Obeda."

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