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Natco Pharma Shares Rise After Court Greenlights Risdiplam Launch in India
- isha harvin
- Oct 13
- 2 min read
Natco Pharma’s stock jumped sharply on Friday after the Delhi High Court gave the company the go-ahead to sell its version of Risdiplam, a drug used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), in India. The decision came after the court dismissed an appeal filed by the Swiss drugmaker Roche, which had sought to stop Natco from launching the medicine.
Court Decision and Background
The dispute began when Roche claimed exclusive rights to Risdiplam under its patent. Earlier this year, a single-judge bench had refused to block Natco from introducing its generic version, saying that public access to affordable medicine should be prioritized—especially since Risdiplam is a life-changing drug for children suffering from SMA, a rare and severe neuromuscular disease.
Roche challenged that ruling, but the Delhi High Court’s division bench has now upheld the earlier decision, clearing the path for Natco to bring its product to market.
Natco’s Plans and Pricing
Following the judgment, Natco Pharma announced that it would immediately start selling Risdiplam in India. The company has set a maximum retail price of around ₹15,900 and said it will also run a patient assistance program to make the drug more affordable for families in need.
This move could significantly improve access to SMA treatment in India, where the original Roche product was prohibitively expensive for most patients.
Market Response
Investors welcomed the court’s verdict. Natco Pharma’s shares surged over 6% in early trading and were still up around 3% later in the day. The company’s stock has seen modest growth in the past six months, though it remains lower than earlier in the year due to broader market pressures.
Why This Matters
The ruling is seen as a big win for both Natco and patients battling rare diseases in India. It reinforces the principle that public health and access to essential medicines can take precedence over patent disputes—especially when the original product’s price limits availability.
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