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Iran Secures International Patent for Breakthrough Curcumin-Based Nanomedicine

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Iran secures international patent for curcumin-based nanomedicine using nano-crystal technology

Iran has achieved a major scientific and commercial milestone. Iranian researchers have secured an international patent for an advanced curcumin-based nanomedicine, marking a decisive step forward in pharmaceutical nanotechnology and natural compound therapeutics.

The patented invention transforms curcumin — a well-known bioactive compound derived from turmeric — into a highly effective medical formulation. It overcomes long-standing scientific barriers that have limited curcumin’s real-world therapeutic use for decades.

Turning Promise into Performance

Curcumin has attracted global attention for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential disease-modifying properties. Researchers have linked it to benefits in pain management, metabolic disorders, neurological conditions, and oncology research.

Yet curcumin has one critical weakness. The human body absorbs it very poorly. Conventional oral curcumin shows extremely low solubility in water and minimal bioavailability. Most of the compound passes through the body without delivering therapeutic impact.

Iran’s newly patented nanomedicine solves this problem decisively.

Using advanced nano-crystal and co-crystal engineering, Iranian scientists have redesigned curcumin at the molecular level. The result is a formulation that dissolves rapidly, absorbs efficiently, and remains stable in aqueous environments.

Nano Formulation vs Conventional Curcumin

The difference between traditional curcumin and the Iranian nano-curcumin is stark.

Conventional curcumin:

  • Shows very low water solubility
  • Achieves less than 1% systemic absorption
  • Requires high doses to show limited effect

The patented nano-curcumin:

  • Increases water solubility by over 10,000 times
  • Boosts bioavailability by more than 100 times
  • Delivers therapeutic effects at significantly lower doses

This is not a marginal improvement. It is a structural transformation that moves curcumin from the supplement category into serious pharmaceutical territory.

International Patent Protection

The innovation has been granted international patent protection, including registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This recognition confirms the novelty, industrial applicability, and inventive step of the Iranian technology under global intellectual property standards.

International protection gives the patent holder exclusive rights to commercialize, license, and expand the technology across major global markets. It also places the invention on equal legal footing with pharmaceutical innovations from leading research economies.

Real-World Applications Already Underway

Unlike many laboratory-stage nanomedicine concepts, this patented formulation has already moved toward practical deployment.

The nano-curcumin technology is being used in:

  • Oral pharmaceutical solutions
  • Functional and therapeutic beverages
  • Human and veterinary health formulations

Because the formulation achieves higher efficacy at lower doses, it improves patient compliance and reduces the risk of side effects associated with high-dose supplementation.

Lower dosing also translates into cost efficiency, making the technology attractive for both public health systems and private pharmaceutical manufacturers.

How It Compares Globally

Around the world, researchers have experimented with liposomes, polymer carriers, and lipid nanoparticles to enhance curcumin delivery. While many approaches have shown promise, most remain limited to experimental studies or early-stage trials.

Iran’s patented technology stands apart for three reasons:

  1. Proven scalability — suitable for industrial pharmaceutical production
  2. Strong legal protection — secured through international patent systems
  3. Immediate usability — already integrated into market-ready formulations

This combination gives Iran a competitive edge in the fast-growing global nanomedicine market.

Implications for Modern Medicine

Improved curcumin delivery has far-reaching implications. Higher bioavailability enables researchers and clinicians to explore curcumin’s role as:

  • An adjunct therapy in inflammatory disorders
  • A supportive agent in neurological and metabolic conditions
  • A complementary compound in oncology research
  • A next-generation nutraceutical with pharmaceutical-grade performance

By addressing pharmacokinetic limitations, the nano-formulation unlocks curcumin’s full therapeutic potential.

Strengthening Iran’s Scientific Footprint

This patent reflects Iran’s expanding role in nanotechnology and applied biomedical research. Over the past decade, the country has steadily increased its output of high-impact scientific publications and internationally recognized patents.

The curcumin nanomedicine patent reinforces Iran’s position as a serious contributor to advanced pharmaceutical innovation. It also highlights the country’s ability to translate academic research into protected, commercial-grade technologies.

Strategic and Economic Impact

Beyond science, the patent carries strong economic value.

International protection enables:

  • Technology licensing to foreign pharmaceutical companies
  • Export-oriented production of nano-based medicines
  • Entry into high-value global healthcare markets

In an industry driven by intellectual property, this patent represents a durable strategic asset.

Conclusion

Iran’s international patent for a curcumin-based nanomedicine marks a decisive breakthrough in drug delivery science. By transforming a powerful but poorly absorbed natural compound into a highly bioavailable therapeutic agent, Iranian researchers have crossed a critical innovation threshold.

The achievement strengthens Iran’s global scientific standing, opens new commercial pathways, and signals a future where nanotechnology bridges the gap between traditional compounds and modern medicine.

Cartherics Strengthens Global IP With TAG-72 CAR Patent in China

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Cartherics secures China patent for TAG-72 CAR gene-modified stem cell cancer therapy


Cartherics Pty Ltd has secured a major intellectual property victory in China, with the grant of a key patent covering its TAG-72 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) gene-modified stem cell technology. The development significantly strengthens the company’s global patent portfolio and reinforces its position in the rapidly evolving cell-based immunotherapy market.

The newly granted patent protects genetically modified mammalian stem cells engineered with Cartherics’ proprietary CAR technology targeting TAG-72, a tumour-associated antigen widely expressed in several solid cancers. The protection directly supports Cartherics’ lead program, CTH-401, an off-the-shelf CAR-natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapy under development for ovarian cancer.

This is the second patent from the same family granted to Cartherics in China, underscoring the growing strength and geographic reach of its intellectual property strategy.

China Emerges as a Critical IP Battleground

China has become one of the most competitive and strategically important jurisdictions for biotechnology patents. With a rapidly expanding oncology market and increasing regulatory support for innovative therapies, patent protection in China is now essential for companies seeking long-term commercial success.

Cartherics’ decision to aggressively protect its technology in China sets it apart from many early-stage biotech firms that focus primarily on Western markets. By securing patent rights at this stage, the company reduces future commercialization risks while strengthening its negotiating position for regional partnerships and licensing opportunities.

The patent also reflects the Chinese Patent Office’s recognition of the novelty and inventive step of Cartherics’ CAR-based stem cell technology in a highly crowded immunotherapy field.

CTH-401: A Differentiated Cell Therapy Candidate

At the core of this patent is CTH-401, Cartherics’ lead allogeneic CAR-NK cell therapy derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Unlike traditional CAR-T therapies, which are manufactured individually for each patient, CTH-401 is designed as an off-the-shelf product.

This distinction is critical.

Off-the-shelf therapies allow for standardized manufacturing, faster patient access, and potentially lower treatment costs. They also avoid the variability and logistical challenges associated with patient-derived cells.

CTH-401 targets TAG-72, a well-validated tumour marker found on ovarian, gastric, pancreatic, and other adenocarcinomas. Solid tumours have historically resisted CAR-based therapies, making TAG-72 an especially valuable target in the race to expand immunotherapy beyond blood cancers.

CAR-NK Versus CAR-T: A Strategic Shift

CAR-T therapies have transformed treatment for certain blood cancers, but they face limitations in solid tumours and are often associated with severe side effects and high costs.

CAR-NK therapies offer a compelling alternative.

Natural killer cells are part of the innate immune system and tend to produce fewer toxic immune reactions. When combined with CAR engineering and stem cell-based manufacturing, they offer a scalable and potentially safer immunotherapy platform.

Cartherics’ China patent protects critical gene-editing steps used to engineer these cells, creating a strong legal barrier against competitors attempting to replicate similar approaches in one of the world’s largest healthcare markets.

Clinical Progress and Timelines

Cartherics is currently manufacturing CTH-401 in upgraded cleanroom facilities and is preparing for first-in-human clinical trials. The company has indicated plans to initiate trials in ovarian cancer patients in the second half of 2026.

Ovarian cancer remains one of the most lethal gynecological cancers globally, with limited treatment options for advanced or recurrent disease. Immunotherapies capable of precisely targeting tumour cells could dramatically alter outcomes for patients who currently face poor prognoses.

The China patent ensures that Cartherics enters this clinical phase with strong intellectual property protection already in place.

Commercial and Partnership Implications

Beyond clinical development, the patent strengthens Cartherics’ appeal to strategic partners. China’s biotech ecosystem increasingly relies on licensing and co-development deals with foreign innovators to accelerate access to advanced therapies.

Cartherics has previously demonstrated its willingness to pursue regional partnerships, particularly in Greater China. The expanded patent coverage enhances the company’s leverage in future negotiations involving manufacturing, clinical development, or commercialization rights.

Leadership Perspective

Cartherics’ management has described the patent as a valuable addition to its growing global IP portfolio, supporting both development and future commercialization of its off-the-shelf cellular therapies.

In an industry where weak patent protection can stall promising science, this development signals both technical maturity and long-term strategic planning.

Looking Ahead

As competition intensifies in the cell therapy sector, strong intellectual property protection is no longer optional. It is foundational.

With multiple patents now secured across key jurisdictions, Cartherics is positioning itself as a serious contender in the next generation of solid-tumour immunotherapies. The China patent is not just a legal milestone. It is a commercial enabler and a confidence signal ahead of clinical validation.

If CTH-401 succeeds in trials, Cartherics’ early and comprehensive IP strategy could prove decisive in bringing a new class of cancer therapies to patients worldwide.

Cube Labs’ Lipovexa Wins U.S. Patent for Metabolic Disease Platform

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Lipovexa secures U.S. patent for metabolic disorder treatment platform

Cube Labs S.p.A.’s biotech unit Lipovexa has reached a decisive milestone in metabolic disease research. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has granted Lipovexa a new U.S. patent for an advanced therapeutic platform designed to treat metabolic disorders. The development strengthens the company’s scientific credibility and elevates its position in one of the most competitive segments of global healthcare.

The patent protects a novel class of synthetic compounds derived from oleoyl-lysophosphatidylinositol. These molecules are engineered to influence critical metabolic pathways rather than merely suppress symptoms. This strategic shift places Lipovexa in a different category from many existing treatments that focus on downstream effects.

A Fundamental Change in How Metabolic Diseases Are Targeted

Most current therapies for metabolic disorders concentrate on managing outcomes such as high blood sugar or excess weight. Lipovexa’s platform takes a different path. It directly targets the GPR119 receptor, a key metabolic regulator located primarily in the intestine and pancreas.

By activating this receptor, the platform aims to restore glucose balance and metabolic signaling at a foundational level. This approach contrasts sharply with traditional therapies that rely on insulin stimulation or appetite suppression. Lipovexa’s strategy seeks to correct the underlying biochemical imbalance rather than compensate for it.

Early research suggests that GPR119 activation can improve insulin sensitivity and support healthier metabolic responses. This positions Lipovexa’s compounds as potential long-term solutions rather than short-term controls.

What the U.S. Patent Protects

The newly granted patent covers both the composition and therapeutic use of Lipovexa’s synthetic derivatives. It secures exclusive rights to develop and commercialize these molecules for a wide range of metabolic conditions, including:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver diseases, including steatohepatitis

The breadth of protection is significant. It allows Lipovexa to explore multiple indications using the same core technology, creating scalability across disease areas.

Securing patent protection in the United States is particularly strategic. The U.S. remains the world’s most influential biotech market. Strong intellectual property rights provide commercial leverage, protect innovation, and attract long-term partners and investors.

Competitive Landscape: A Different Route Than GLP-1 Drugs

The metabolic treatment market is currently dominated by GLP-1-based therapies, which have transformed obesity and diabetes care. These drugs focus on appetite control, insulin secretion, and delayed gastric emptying. While effective, they often bring gastrointestinal side effects and are not suitable for all patients.

Lipovexa’s platform operates through a distinct biological mechanism. By targeting GPR119, it addresses metabolic regulation upstream. This difference could allow Lipovexa’s compounds to complement existing therapies or serve as alternatives for patients who cannot tolerate current options.

The comparison highlights a growing trend in biotech innovation. Instead of improving existing drug classes, companies like Lipovexa are opening new biological pathways that were previously underexplored.

Small Molecules vs. Cell-Based Approaches

Another emerging frontier in metabolic disease treatment involves regenerative and cell-based therapies. These approaches aim to repair or replace dysfunctional metabolic tissue. While promising, they often require complex manufacturing processes, longer development timelines, and stricter regulatory scrutiny.

Lipovexa’s platform relies on small synthetic molecules, which typically offer clearer development pathways and easier scalability. This gives Lipovexa a potential time-to-market advantage. Small-molecule therapies are also easier to distribute globally, especially in cost-sensitive healthcare systems.

The contrast underscores Lipovexa’s pragmatic innovation strategy. It balances scientific ambition with commercial feasibility.

Lipovexa’s Origins and Cube Labs’ Incubation Model

Lipovexa was established as a spin-off within the Cube Labs ecosystem, a life sciences venture builder known for transforming academic research into market-ready companies. Cube Labs retains a majority stake, ensuring strategic oversight and long-term commitment.

This incubation model allows early-stage biotech ventures to access capital, regulatory expertise, and industrial networks. It reduces early-stage risk while accelerating development timelines.

Cube Labs has previously launched multiple ventures across regenerative medicine, inflammation, and advanced therapeutics. Lipovexa now emerges as one of its most strategically positioned assets.

Commercial and Clinical Path Ahead

The U.S. patent marks the beginning of a new phase. Lipovexa must now translate intellectual property into clinical proof. The next steps are expected to include early-phase clinical trials to evaluate safety, dosing, and initial efficacy in humans.

Success at this stage would dramatically increase the platform’s valuation. It would also open doors to strategic partnerships with large pharmaceutical companies seeking novel metabolic assets.

Investors remain highly focused on metabolic disorders. Rising global prevalence, combined with long-term treatment needs, has made the sector one of the most attractive in biotech. A differentiated mechanism like GPR119 activation fits well into this investment narrative.

Strategic Value of U.S. Patent Protection

Beyond science, the patent strengthens Lipovexa’s negotiating power. It creates clear barriers to entry for competitors and enhances licensing opportunities. Pharmaceutical companies increasingly seek externally developed platforms to replenish pipelines. Lipovexa’s protected technology could become a valuable collaboration target.

Patent protection also supports long-term development planning. It allows the company to invest confidently in clinical trials, knowing its core innovation remains shielded.

Global Health Context

Metabolic disorders represent one of the largest unmet medical needs worldwide. Diabetes and obesity rates continue to rise across developed and emerging economies. Liver diseases linked to metabolic dysfunction are becoming more common and more severe.

Healthcare systems face mounting pressure to deliver treatments that are both effective and sustainable. Innovations that address root causes rather than symptoms could reshape long-term care strategies.

Lipovexa’s platform enters this environment with a clear ambition: change how metabolic diseases are treated at their core.

A Turning Point for Lipovexa

The U.S. patent is more than a legal achievement. It is a signal. It confirms that Lipovexa’s science meets global standards of novelty and utility. It validates Cube Labs’ incubation strategy. And it places Lipovexa firmly on the map of next-generation metabolic therapy developers.

If clinical results align with early promise, Lipovexa could emerge as a meaningful disruptor in a crowded market. The journey ahead is complex, but the foundation is now firmly protected.

Court Crushes Zydus Challenge – Helsinn Secures Akynzeo Patent Victory

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Wooden judge's gavel resting on a sounding block, symbolizing a decisive court ruling in a legal battle over intellectual property.

The Delhi High Court slams the door on Zydus Healthcare’s bold challenge. Swiss innovator Helsinn Healthcare SA emerges victorious. Justice Tejas Karia dismisses Zydus’s writ petition outright on December 24, 2025. The court upholds a key patent for a breakthrough anti-nausea drug.

Zydus Lifesciences - Wikipedia

Helsinn triumphs. The patent protects Akynzeo, a powerful fixed-dose combination. It pairs netupitant (300 mg) with palonosetron (0.5 mg). This duo targets chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Cancer patients endure brutal side effects from treatment. Akynzeo attacks both acute and delayed phases. It blocks NK1 and 5-HT3 receptors simultaneously. Patients gain long-lasting relief in one capsule.

Zydus strikes first. The Indian generic giant files a pre-grant opposition in 2021. Helsinn submits voluntary amendments during prosecution. Zydus cries foul. It claims amendments expand claims illegally. It alleges violations of Section 59 of the Patents Act. The Mumbai Patent Office rejects these arguments. Controllers grant Indian Patent No. 426553 in March 2023.

Akynzeo: Package Insert / Prescribing Information / MOA

Zydus refuses to back down. It launches a writ petition in Delhi High Court. The company demands quashing the grant. It accuses the Patent Office of jurisdictional errors. It charges breaches of natural justice. Zydus insists it deserves a hearing on post-opposition amendments.

Justice Karia dismantles these claims. The court rules firmly: Delhi lacks territorial jurisdiction. The Mumbai Patent Office handled the grant. Challenges must target the appropriate High Court – Bombay. No jurisdictional error taints the process. Pre-grant opposition and examination run as separate tracks. Opponents hold no automatic right to hearings on amendments.

The judge stresses clarity. No separate order requires pre-First Examination Report amendments. Helsinn follows rules meticulously. The Patent Office issues proper notices. It provides fair opportunities. Zydus suffers no violation of natural justice.

This ruling fortifies originator protections. Helsinn shields its innovation fiercely. Akynzeo transforms cancer supportive care. Guidelines worldwide endorse this triple regimen with dexamethasone. It prevents nausea in highly emetogenic chemotherapy.

In India, Glenmark markets Akynzeo under license. Helsinn partners strategically. The drug reaches patients swiftly. Generic threats loom large. Zydus eyes early entry. Other firms like Hetero face similar battles. Helsinn secures interim injunctions elsewhere. It blocks infringing formulations aggressively.

Experts hail the decision. It curbs forum shopping. Patent challengers must file correctly. Courts intervene sparingly in administrative grants. Only glaring illegalities trigger writ relief.

Zydus explores options. The company may refile in Bombay High Court. Post-grant opposition remains open. Counterclaims arise in infringement suits. Helsinn stands ready to defend.

This clash spotlights India’s pharma battlefield. Originators safeguard rewards for risky R&D. Generics push affordable access aggressively. Combination therapies spark fierce disputes. Evergreening accusations fly often.

Patients win ultimately. Robust patents drive innovation. They deliver superior treatments like Akynzeo. Reliable relief empowers cancer fighters. They battle disease without debilitating nausea.

The industry watches closely. This precedent shapes future fights. Territorial rules tighten. Procedural challenges weaken. Innovators gain ground.

Helsinn celebrates quietly. The Swiss firm advances cancer care globally. Akynzeo leads its portfolio. Protection endures in key markets.

Zydus persists undeterred. The generic powerhouse expands relentlessly. It targets blockbuster opportunities.

India’s patent ecosystem evolves. Courts balance interests skillfully. Innovation thrives. Access improves gradually.

This victory resonates deeply. Helsinn protects a vital lifeline for millions. Cancer patients endure enough. Akynzeo eases their burden dramatically.

Enveric Biosciences Secures Key Patent for Non-Hallucinogenic Mental Health Treatments

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Enveric Biosciences lab developing psychedelic therapeutics for mental health.

Enveric Biosciences bolsters its position in the booming psychedelic-inspired therapeutics market. The company announces a major intellectual property win. The United States Patent and Trademark Office issues U.S. Patent No. 12,492,179.

This patent covers novel molecules titled “Substituted Ethylamine Fused Heterocyclic Mescaline Derivatives.” Enveric designs these compounds to promote neuroplasticity. They target severe mental health disorders without causing hallucinations.

Patients struggle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and addiction. Traditional treatments often fail. Enveric’s innovation addresses this gap. The new molecules derive from mescaline-like structures. Scientists modify them chemically. They enhance efficacy. They reduce side effects.

Hallucinogenic psychedelics show promise. Yet they pose challenges. Patients experience intense trips. Clinics require supervision. Regulators demand more data. Enveric avoids these hurdles. Its neuroplastogens deliver brain rewiring benefits. They skip the psychedelic experience.

Joseph Tucker, Ph.D., leads Enveric as CEO. He celebrates the milestone. “This patent expands our portfolio. It strengthens our pipeline. We target disorders with limited options. Our molecules interact with key receptors in novel ways. They promise better safety and outcomes.”

Composition-of-matter patents offer strong protection. They shield the core chemical structures. Enveric attracts partners. Big pharma seeks licensing deals. The company builds a competitive moat.

Enveric focuses on next-generation therapeutics. It develops small-molecule drugs. These promote neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new connections. Neuroplasticity drives recovery in mental illness.

The psychedelic drugs market explodes. Analysts project growth from about $3-4 billion in 2024 to $8-10 billion by 2032. Compound annual rates hit 13-15%. Mental health crises fuel demand. Over 264 million people suffer depression worldwide. Treatment-resistant cases rise.

Companies chase non-hallucinogenic options. Enveric pioneers this shift. Its Psybrary™ platform generates thousands of candidates. Artificial intelligence aids discovery. The company holds dozens of patents. It issues more in 2025.

Enveric’s lead candidate shines. EB-003 advances rapidly. This first-in-class compound engages 5-HT2A and 5-HT1B receptors. It delivers fast antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. Preclinical data impress. Oral bioavailability works well. Brain penetration proves strong.

Enveric targets IND filing soon. Phase 1 trials follow. EB-003 treats outpatient settings. No need for therapists during sessions. Patients take pills at home. Convenience boosts adherence.

Other pipelines progress. EVM301 and EVM401 series expand. Notices of allowance arrive. Patents issue. Enveric licenses non-core assets. It funds core development.

Investors react positively. Shares jump in premarket trading after the December 29 announcement. The stock faces volatility. It trades as a micro-cap. Market cap hovers low. Yet milestones drive gains.

Enveric raises funds. Warrant exercises bring millions. Cash supports trials. The company regains Nasdaq compliance.

Experts praise the approach. Non-hallucinogenic drugs scale easier. They fit existing healthcare systems. Insurers cover standard pills. Clinics avoid psychedelic infrastructure.

Regulators warm to safer profiles. FDA grants breakthrough designations elsewhere. Enveric positions EB-003 for similar status.

Mental health innovation lags. Antidepressants date back decades. Side effects deter patients. Relapse rates stay high. Psychedelic research revives hope. Enveric refines it.

Researchers link neuroplasticity to recovery. Psychedelics boost dendritic growth. They increase synapses. Non-hallucinogenic versions isolate this mechanism.

Enveric collaborates. It presents at conferences. Data publications follow. Peer-reviewed papers validate methods.

Challenges remain. Clinical trials cost dearly. Enveric seeks partners. Out-licensing generates revenue.

The field attracts talent. Investors eye neuroplastogens. Enveric leads with patents and data.

Patients await better options. Suicide rates climb. Addiction devastates families. Enveric aims to help.

This patent marks progress. Enveric executes strategy. It builds value. The future looks brighter for mental health treatment.

Enveric Biosciences trades on Nasdaq as ENVB. It operates from Cambridge. The team drives innovation. They transform lives.

The mental health revolution gains speed. Enveric rides the wave. Non-hallucinogenic therapies emerge. Hope grows.

MDU Rohtak Patent: Laser-Free Tech Cuts Osmotic Tablet Cost

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A detailed, realistic 3D render of a pharmaceutical manufacturing process. A stainless steel tablet compression machine with specialized notched tooling is actively drilling precise central holes into white, round osmotic tablets moving along a green conveyor belt. A plaque on the machine reads: "MDU Rohtak - Notched Tooling Tech," "Patent Granted," and lists the inventors: "K.S. Tiwari, M. Garg, Guided by H. Dureja." The background shows blurred laboratory glassware on shelves, signifying a research environment.

Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) scientists achieved a major breakthrough. They secured a design patent for a new tablet manufacturing technique. This innovation directly affects the production of high-tech osmotic tablets.

New Tooling Cuts Production Costs

The MDU Pharmaceutical Sciences Department developed the technology. It uses notched tooling for standard tablet compression machines. This new tool creates the necessary hole in the tablet. The hole allows for controlled, constant drug release.

“This is a game-changer,” said a university spokesperson.

Expensive Lasers Become Obsolete

The pharmaceutical industry currently uses expensive laser drilling to create this orifice. This specialized step adds significant cost and time. The MDU team bypasses this costly process entirely.

Their notched tooling creates the precise hole during compression. This single-step method eliminates the need for extra laser equipment.

Faster, Cheaper Medication Delivery

The patented technology offers clear benefits:

  • Cost Reduction: Manufacturers save money on expensive machinery.
  • Time Savings: The process integrates drilling into the main production line.
  • Affordability: Reduced production costs can make complex drugs cheaper for patients.

Osmotic tablets treat chronic conditions. These include hypertension, diabetes, and ADHD. They rely on the small hole to deliver medication over many hours. This technology makes controlled-release dosage forms more accessible.

The team included Kirpa Shankar Tiwari, Professor Munish Garg, and Professor Harish Dureja. MDU’s research now promises to revolutionize the efficiency of tablet manufacturing worldwide.

COURT CLEARS SUN PHARMA TO EXPORT KEY WEIGHT LOSS DRUG; RESTRICTS INDIA SALE

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Delhi High Court ruling in Sun Pharma versus Novo Nordisk patent dispute over the semaglutide drug (Ozempic/Wegovy) formulation.

The Delhi High Court today delivered a split verdict. It allowed Sun Pharmaceutical Industries to manufacture and export its version of the blockbuster drug semaglutide. However, the court strictly barred the company from selling the product in the domestic Indian market.

Court Upholds Patent Expiry Timeline

The decision is a major development in the pharmaceutical patent battle. Danish giant Novo Nordisk markets semaglutide globally. It is the active ingredient in its widely-used diabetes and weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy.

Novo Nordisk sued Sun Pharma for patent infringement. The Danish company seeks to protect its secondary patent. This patent covers specific formulations and the delivery system of the drug. The patent remains valid until March 2026.

The court’s ruling respects this expiration date. It ordered Sun Pharma to refrain from all sales within India until the patent lapses.

Exports Allowed: A Win for Generics

Crucially, the court granted Sun Pharma permission to continue manufacturing. It also allowed exports to countries where Novo Nordisk does not hold patent protection.

This order mirrors a recent ruling against Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL). Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora heard both cases. She had previously allowed DRL similar manufacturing and export rights.

Sun Pharma provided a formal undertaking to the court. The company will comply with the domestic sales ban. It will also provide the court with full details of its manufacturing and export accounts.

Evergreening Challenge Cited

The ongoing dispute centers on the validity of Novo Nordisk’s secondary patent. Generic makers argue the patent constitutes evergreening.

Evergreening is a common practice. Companies attempt to extend their patent monopoly. They secure new patents on minor modifications to an existing drug.

The Indian Patents Act, specifically Section 3(d), prohibits this. This section denies patents for new forms of a known substance. The new form must show a significant enhancement in therapeutic efficacy.

The court noted that Sun Pharma and DRL raised a “credible challenge” to the secondary patent’s validity. This legal challenge bolstered the generic companies’ position.

Market Impact: A Race for 2026

The ruling is a clear signal. It encourages Indian generic companies to prepare for market entry.

The global market for GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide is massive. Indian drug makers are now lining up to launch their generic versions.

The ban on domestic sales protects Novo Nordisk’s current market exclusivity. Yet, the export green light allows generic firms to gain a foothold. This prepares them for a competitive domestic launch in March 2026.

Novo Nordisk still holds an advantage in the Indian market. It recently cut the price of its product, Wegovy. This move increases competition against rivals like Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro.

Novo Nordisk has indicated it intends to appeal the court’s earlier decision in the DRL case. The legal battle for the lucrative weight-loss drug market will continue.

Godavari Biorefineries Secures US Patent for Cancer-Fighting Compounds; Stock Soars

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Godavari Biorefineries Limited (GBL) has achieved a major scientific and strategic breakthrough. The company has secured a United States patent for a new class of cancer-fighting compounds designed to inhibit unregulated cell growth. These compounds show strong potential against cancer stem cells, a highly resistant category of cancer-driving cells.

The announcement sparked immediate excitement in the market. GBL’s stock surged nearly 17–18% in early trade as investors responded to what could become a transformative development for the company and for cancer research in India. The rally underscores growing investor confidence in the company’s expanding biotechnology capabilities.

A closer look at the patented science

The patented invention, titled “Compounds for the Inhibition of Unregulated Cell Growth,” gives GBL exclusive rights in the United States to produce, license, and commercialize the molecules.

According to the patent filing, the compounds demonstrate targeted action against cancer stem cells (CSCs). This is a small but powerful subset of tumour cells that fuel the growth, recurrence, and spread of cancer. CSCs are often responsible for treatment resistance, which is why many cancers return even after chemotherapy or radiation.

The patent includes compounds listed across multiple novel chemical formulae. Laboratory studies indicate promising results against breast and prostate cancer cell lines. These two cancer types remain among the most prevalent globally, making the discovery especially significant.

What makes the patented approach compelling is its precision. Traditional anti-cancer treatments target rapidly dividing cells, but they often miss slow-dividing or dormant CSCs. By attacking the core drivers of tumour regeneration, these molecules could one day lead to therapies that significantly reduce relapse rates.

A growing global footprint in cancer innovation

The US patent builds on GBL’s accelerating global presence in advanced cancer research. Earlier this year, the company secured a European patent for a similar anti-cancer molecule. The validation extended across Spain, the United Kingdom, and several European Union member nations, boosting the company’s intellectual-property coverage across major regulatory regions.

The company also received a Chinese patent earlier this year for another breakthrough anti-cancer compound known for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and targeting CSCs. Preclinical research highlighted its strong activity against breast and prostate cancer lines, adding another high-value asset to its growing research portfolio.

To support its expansion, GBL has also established a dedicated subsidiary in the United States. This move positions the company to engage directly with the world’s largest pharmaceutical market and collaborate with global research institutions and biotech partners.

Why this matters: opportunities on the horizon

A breakthrough for Indian bioresearch

Securing a US patent in the oncology domain is a rare achievement for an Indian company. It signals that GBL is not just a leader in the biorefinery and biofuel sectors but is evolving into a serious contender in medical biotechnology.

Promising pathway toward targeted therapies

If future research validates the patented molecules, they could form the foundation for next-generation cancer drugs that destroy tumour-regenerating cells. Targeting CSCs represents one of the most ambitious goals in cancer science. Successful therapies in this space could dramatically reshape cancer treatment outcomes.

Attractive for global collaborations

The company’s expanding patent portfolio across three major regions — the US, Europe, and China — places it in a powerful position. Pharmaceutical giants often seek partnerships with early-stage innovators who hold strong patents. GBL could attract licensing deals, co-development agreements, or investment partnerships as its molecules advance.

Market confidence and investor traction

The sharp rise in the stock price reflects more than short-term excitement. Investors see growing scientific depth, diversified business potential, and long-term value creation opportunities driven by high-impact IP.

The challenges ahead: long journey to the clinic

Despite the breakthrough, the patented molecules are still in early-stage development. A patent protects the innovation, but it does not guarantee clinical success.

To become approved cancer therapies, the compounds must pass through multiple stages:

  • Preclinical safety testing
  • Toxicology assessments
  • Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics studies
  • Phase I, II, and III human trials
  • Regulatory approvals in each market

Oncology drug development is expensive and time-intensive. Success rates are low, and many promising compounds fail due to toxicity or lack of efficacy. GBL may require strategic partnerships, research collaborations, or significant investment to advance the molecules through clinical trials.

A milestone moment — and the beginning of a new chapter

Godavari Biorefineries’ US patent win marks a bold moment for Indian innovation. The company is rapidly expanding beyond its traditional identity as a biorefinery pioneer. With patents across the world’s largest markets, GBL is positioning itself as a future player in global oncology research.

If the science progresses well, this breakthrough could transform not only the company’s trajectory but also contribute to a new generation of targeted cancer therapies. The recognition, the rising investor confidence, and the global IP strategy together point to a powerful new chapter in India’s biotech evolution.

Delhi High Court Rejects Interim Patent Block on Semaglutide, Calls Out ‘Evergreening’ Tactics

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The Delhi High Court has delivered a decisive order in the high-stakes battle over semaglutide, the blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drug. The court refused to grant Novo Nordisk a temporary injunction against Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), dealing a major blow to the Danish pharmaceutical giant’s attempt to control the Indian market until 2026. The ruling carries far-reaching implications for patent strategy, market competition, and the future of GLP-1 drugs in India.

The court held that DRL had raised a “credible challenge” to Novo Nordisk’s second patent on semaglutide. It found strong indicators of double-patenting, a practice that Indian law treats as an attempt to “evergreen” expired monopolies. The court’s message was clear: companies cannot use secondary patents to prolong control over blockbuster drugs.

Two Patents, One Molecule: How the Dispute Began

Novo Nordisk held two Indian patents related to semaglutide:

  1. Composition Patent (IN 275964)
    This patent covered the semaglutide molecule itself. It expired in September 2024, opening the door for generic manufacturing.
  2. Formulation Patent (IN 262697)
    This patent claims a specific formulation and delivery system for the same drug. It remains valid until March 2026.

When the core composition patent lapsed, DRL secured regulatory approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to manufacture semaglutide for export. The approval triggered immediate friction. Novo Nordisk rushed to court, claiming that the formulation patent protected not only the delivery mechanism but effectively covered the drug.

It sought an emergency injunction to stop DRL’s manufacturing and export operations. The company argued that any commercial activity—even export—would cause irreparable harm.

The Court’s Ruling: A Firm Stand Against Evergreening

Justice Anish Dayal rejected the injunction request. The court held that DRL’s objections to the formulation patent were strong enough to deny temporary relief to Novo Nordisk.

1. Double-Patenting Concern

The court noted that the formulation patent appeared to reclaim the same invention for which Novo Nordisk’s composition patent had already expired. The claims overlapped heavily.

This amounted to “evergreening”—a tactic where pharmaceutical companies file secondary patents to extend monopoly periods.

Indian patent law, especially after Section 3(d), firmly discourages such strategies.

2. Lack of Inventive Step

The court observed that Novo Nordisk’s claimed improvements in the formulation patent did not appear novel or non-obvious.
The modifications were routine optimizations well known in pharmaceutical science. They did not represent a genuine leap in innovation.

This significantly weakened the validity of the formulation patent.

3. Balance of Convenience Favoured DRL

Since the core patent had expired, the court held that public interest and market competition must be prioritized.

Blocking DRL without conclusive proof of infringement would be unfair, especially when DRL was manufacturing the drug only for export markets.

Exports Allowed, But Indian Market Stays Closed—for Now

The court made a nuanced distinction. DRL may:

  • continue manufacturing semaglutide, and
  • export it freely to international markets.

However, domestic sales remain prohibited until the formulation patent expires in March 2026, unless the patent is invalidated earlier.

This split ruling reinforces India’s position as the world’s largest exporter of affordable generics, while still respecting valid patent rights inside the country.

A Major Win for Generic Manufacturers

The decision strengthens the confidence of Indian pharmaceutical companies entering high-value therapeutic categories. Semaglutide, widely used for Type-2 diabetes and explosive global demand for weight-loss treatments, represents one of the most lucrative drug classes today.

DRL is not alone. Cipla, Sun Pharma, Biocon, and Mankind Pharma are exploring GLP-1 opportunities. The Delhi HC’s ruling sends a bold signal: secondary patents will face strict scrutiny.

Indian courts have repeatedly warned against evergreening. This judgment continues that legacy, following similar rulings in the cases of imatinib, sofosbuvir, and darunavir.

Why This Case Matters Globally

The global pharmaceutical industry is watching India closely. Semaglutide is one of the world’s most valuable drugs, powering Novo Nordisk’s meteoric rise in recent years.

A single ruling from an Indian court can influence:

  • global supply chains,
  • generic entry timelines,
  • price dynamics across continents.

India produces nearly 40% of the world’s generics. Any shift in the patent landscape here disrupts international markets.

By allowing export manufacturing, the court has opened a potential pipeline of affordable semaglutide to emerging markets struggling with diabetes and obesity crises.

What Happens Next?

Novo Nordisk has several options:

  • Appeal before a division bench of the Delhi High Court.
  • Initiate a full trial to defend the validity of the formulation patent.
  • Seek tighter regulatory restrictions on generic manufacturing.

DRL, meanwhile, may accelerate export production and explore challenging the patent’s validity to unlock the domestic market earlier.

Legal experts expect this case to set an important precedent for future GLP-1 patent disputes, especially as rival companies race to launch their own weight-loss drugs.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s rejection of Novo Nordisk’s interim injunction is a striking affirmation of India’s sharp stance against patent evergreening. The ruling protects open competition, enables affordable access through exports, and reinforces India’s leadership in generic pharmaceuticals.

As demand for semaglutide surges worldwide, the judgment could reshape the global supply chain for one of modern medicine’s most influential drug classes.

Delhi High Court Restrains Dr. Reddy’s, OneSource in Novo Nordisk’s Weight Loss Drug Patent Dispute

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In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has issued an interim injunction restraining Indian pharmaceutical major Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and OneSource Nutra from manufacturing, selling, or distributing generic versions of a weight loss drug patented by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

The dispute centers around semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk’s blockbuster drug Wegovy, which is used for chronic weight management and has gained global popularity due to its high efficacy in combating obesity. Semaglutide, also used in the diabetes medication Ozempic, has seen skyrocketing demand, making it a highly valuable asset for the company.

The Court’s Interim Order

On Thursday, Justice Sanjeev Narula of the Delhi High Court granted an ex parte ad interim injunction in favor of Novo Nordisk, barring Dr. Reddy’s and OneSource from infringing on the company’s patent rights related to semaglutide. The order came in response to a lawsuit filed by Novo Nordisk India Pvt. Ltd. and Novo Nordisk A/S, which alleged unauthorized use and commercialization of the patented compound by the defendants.

The court observed that a prima facie case of patent infringement had been established and that irreparable harm could be caused to Novo Nordisk if interim relief was not granted. The order restrains the defendants from importing, manufacturing, marketing, or offering for sale any product containing semaglutide until the matter is fully adjudicated.

Background of the Dispute

Novo Nordisk holds a valid Indian patent for semaglutide, which is protected until 2033. The company claimed that Dr. Reddy’s and OneSource had begun producing and marketing unauthorized generic versions of the compound in violation of its intellectual property rights.

In its petition, Novo Nordisk argued that such actions not only amounted to infringement but also posed a serious threat to its commercial interests and research investments in India and globally.

The Danish drugmaker submitted evidence including product listings and promotional material from the defendants, suggesting active commercialization efforts despite the subsistence of the patent.

Industry Impact

The injunction is likely to have far-reaching implications for the Indian pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the context of patent law enforcement and the growing market for obesity treatment drugs. With semaglutide-based therapies becoming a major growth driver for Novo Nordisk, the ruling underscores the increasing significance of patent protection in high-value therapeutic categories.

While Indian generic manufacturers have historically played a critical role in making affordable medications accessible, this case reaffirms the judiciary’s stance on respecting patent laws, particularly when infringement is clearly established.

Responses from the Parties

As of the time of publication, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has not issued an official statement on the court’s order. OneSource Nutra also remains silent on the issue.

Novo Nordisk, on the other hand, welcomed the decision, stating it was a “vindication of our ongoing commitment to protecting innovation and ensuring patient safety.” The company emphasized that unregulated generics could compromise treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

Next Steps

The matter is scheduled for further hearing in July 2025, during which the defendants are expected to present their responses. Legal experts suggest that the final outcome could set a precedent for similar cases involving high-demand biologics and patented pharmaceuticals.

As India continues to balance public health interests with intellectual property rights, the resolution of this case will be closely monitored by stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors both domestically and internationally.