Roche moves SC against Delhi HC nod to Natco for Risdiplam generic

Swiss pharma giant F Hoffmann-La Roche AG has moved the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court's order allowing Natco Pharma to manufacture and sell a generic drug of Risdiplam.

 

Risdiplam is an oral medicine used for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in patients aged two months or above. SMA is a rare, progressive, and genetic disease that affects motor neurons in the spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and wasting.

 

Roche's lawyer mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India B R Gavai for urgent listing. The court has agreed to list the matter on either Thursday or Friday. 

The Swiss pharmaceutical company moved the apex court after the Delhi High Court on October 9 allowed Natco Pharma to continue selling the generic version of its medicine, Risdiplam, dismissing a plea by Roche. The division bench comprising Justices C Hari Shankar and Ajay Digpaul of the Delhi High Court upheld a March 2025 single-judge bench order that had denied Roche an injunction. 

The single-judge order had refused to stop Natco Pharma from manufacturing a generic version of Risdiplam, citing public interest. It noted that SMA is a rare disease and that wider access to an affordable drug would benefit patients who cannot otherwise afford treatment.