Delhi court allows access to affordable Risdiplam medication

The Delhi High Court ruled against Roche, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, on March 25, regarding their request for an injunction against Natco Pharma. This decision could greatly increase access to a cheaper generic version of Risdiplam, a medication for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), which Roche claims is under patent until 2035. Roche had asked the court to stop Natco from producing the generic drug, arguing that it had not faced any legal challenges to its patent in India. Their lawyers highlighted the high cost of Risdiplam, which Roche sells for about Rs 72 lakh a year, as a significant barrier for many patients in India. Two women with SMA intervened in the case, asking the court to consider how an injunction would hurt their right to health. They emphasized that the price of Risdiplam makes it hard for patients to access the treatment they need. The court's decision is seen as a win for SMA patients, as it could lead to lower medication prices through generic competition. Advocates pointed out that despite government efforts to support rare disease patients, the funding still falls short of covering high treatment costs, leaving many without necessary drugs. Lawyers for the patients expressed hope that this ruling will prevent further suffering and deaths linked to SMA. They believe that allowing the production of a generic version will improve access to this vital treatment.