Supreme Court Denies Relief to Zydus Lifesciences in Breast Cancer Drug Case

On November 18, the Supreme Court of India refused to grant interim relief to Zydus Lifesciences in its ongoing legal battle over the marketing and production of its breast cancer drug, Sigrima. Zydus had sought the court's intervention after the Delhi High Court had imposed an injunction that prevented the company from manufacturing and selling the drug. This injunction came in response to a lawsuit filed by Swiss pharmaceutical giant F. Hoffmann-La Roche, which claims that Sigrima infringes on its patents and is a biosimilar of one of Roche's drugs.

Delhi High Court’s Injunction Against Sigrima

The legal dispute centers around the claim made by Roche that Zydus's drug, Sigrima, is a biosimilar to one of its own patented drugs. Roche alleges that Sigrima copies certain components of its patented formulation and, therefore, infringes its intellectual property rights. This claim led to the Delhi High Court issuing an injunction to halt the manufacture and marketing of Sigrima, which has been designed as a treatment for breast cancer.

Zydus Lifesciences' Argument and Plea to the Supreme Court

In response to the injunction, Zydus approached the Supreme Court, arguing that the denial of Sigrima would deprive millions of women who could benefit from the drug, especially in the fight against breast cancer. The company emphasized that Sigrima offers an affordable alternative to expensive cancer treatments, which could make a significant impact on patients across India and potentially other countries. Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court declined to grant the requested interim relief.

Supreme Court’s Directs Delhi High Court to Reconsider the Case

Rather than intervening immediately, the Supreme Court sent the case back to the Delhi High Court for further consideration. The apex court directed that the matter be decided at the high court level before any further action could be taken. This decision places the future of Sigrima in the hands of the Delhi High Court, which will now be tasked with reviewing the case in more detail.

Impact on Zydus Lifesciences’ Market Performance

Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the shares of Zydus Lifesciences experienced a decline of up to 1.95% during Monday's trading session. The market reaction highlights the uncertainty surrounding the future of Sigrima and the potential impact of the ongoing legal challenges. The company’s stock performance reflects investor concerns about the prolonged legal battle and its potential to affect Zydus’s revenue and growth prospects in the pharmaceutical market.

Conclusion: Legal and Market Uncertainty for Zydus Lifesciences

The legal conflict over Sigrima is a significant development for Zydus Lifesciences, as the company faces the challenge of defending its product while also considering the potential market implications. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for future biosimilar drug disputes in India, with potential ramifications for both the pharmaceutical industry and the millions of patients in need of affordable cancer treatments. For now, Zydus will have to await the decision of the Delhi High Court, which will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the drug's future availability.