Delhi High Court paves way for generics of spinal muscle atrophy drug

Innovator drug price is Rs 22-72 lakh per year; Analysts forecast Natco to price generic drug at Rs 3,000 per year

The annual treatment cost of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in India is expected to come down to just ₹3,000 annually against the current ₹22 lakh-72 lakh after the Delhi High Court’s Monday verdict opened the door for domestic firm Natco Pharma to manufacture generic version of Risdiplam.

 

The court nixed an interim injunction plea of Swiss pharmaceutical giant F Hoffmann-La Roche AG which had sought temporary restriction on Natco Pharma from infringing its patent.

 

Industry experts expect Natco to price the generic version of Risdiplam at around ₹3000 annually.

 

While delivering the verdict, Justice Mini Pushkarna said, “A drug which