The Federal Court has just issued an important decision that directly impacts the pharmaceutical market and access to weight-loss treatments in Brazil.
WHAT HAPPENED?
A preliminary injunction upheld the patent for liraglutide, the active ingredient behind Novo Nordisk’s Victoza and Saxenda. The patent, which had already expired, was extended for another 8 years, 5 months, and 1 day.
WHY WAS THIS DECISION MADE?
The Court acknowledged the 13-year delay by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) in examining and granting the original patent. The decision aims to compensate the company for the long waiting period.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT?
For Novo Nordisk, the ruling represents greater legal certainty and an incentive for new health technologies to continue entering Brazil.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The pharmaceutical company is seeking the same outcome for the semaglutide patent, the active ingredient in the popular Wegovy and Ozempic. The decision may still be appealed.
Stay tuned for updates in the field of pharmaceutical patents!
