Supreme Court Clears Natco’s Generic Risdiplam: A Win for Patients, a Lesson for Pharma

As a doctor, I see this week’s Supreme Court verdict — allowing Natco Pharma to launch its generic version of Risdiplam — as a landmark moment for both patients and the healthcare ecosystem. Risdiplam is a life-changing drug for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder that affects muscle control and movement. Until now, access to this medicine was restricted by high prices and patent hurdles.

With the court dismissing Roche’s appeal, India can now produce and distribute the generic version at a fraction of the original cost. For families struggling to afford SMA treatment, this is not just good news — it’s hope restored.

However, as encouraging as this is, the verdict also highlights the complex balance between innovation and accessibility. On one hand, pharmaceutical companies like Roche invest heavily in R&D, and their intellectual property rights are vital to encourage new discoveries. On the other hand, life-saving drugs cannot remain out of reach for patients who need them most.

As healthcare professionals, our role extends beyond prescribing — we must advocate for affordable innovation. This ruling could open doors for more local manufacturing, biosimilar research, and patient access programs. But it also demands vigilance: ensuring that quality, efficacy, and safety are never compromised in the race to make treatments cheaper.

This moment marks a step forward for “Healthcare for All”, a principle at the heart of our profession. India’s pharma industry has once again shown that compassion and commerce can coexist — and as doctors, we must continue pushing for a future where no patient’s life depends on the price tag of a drug.