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Delhi High Court rejected Novo Nordisk's injunction against Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, allowing the Indian firm to manufacture and export semaglutide (active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) but prohibiting domestic sales until the patent expires on March 26, 2026.
About
- Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used primarily to manage type 2 diabetes by improving glycemic control alongside diet and exercise. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, and slow gastric emptying, which also aids weight loss and reduces cardiovascular risks.​
- Indications:
- Improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes.​
- Reduces risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) in those with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.​
- Supports long-term weight management in obese or overweight individuals, including adolescents aged 12+.​
- Lowers risk of kidney disease progression in type 2 diabetes patients with chronic kidney issues.​
- Brand Names and Forms: Available as Ozempic (injection for diabetes/cardiovascular use), Wegovy (higher-dose injection for weight loss), and Rybelsus (oral tablet). Administered weekly via subcutaneous injection or daily oral dose.​
- Mechanism of Action: Binds to GLP-1 receptors to enhance insulin production from pancreatic beta cells, inhibit glucagon, reduce appetite, and delay stomach emptying for weight reduction.​
- Side Effects: Common issues include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation; serious risks involve thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and potential mood changes.​
- Key Pharmacology: Features a long half-life of about 168 hours due to albumin binding, allowing once-weekly dosing; clearance is approximately 0.05 L/h. Not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Weight regain occurs in about two-thirds of lost weight after discontinuation.​
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