Pharmaceutical giant Roche has taken legal action against a recent High Court decision that allowed Natco Pharma to release the drug Risdiplam. The case, which highlights the ongoing tension between patent holders and generic drug manufacturers, is set to be heard by the Supreme Court in the near future.

Legal Battle Intensifies

The dispute centers around Risdiplam, a drug that has become the focal point of a significant legal tussle between Roche and Natco Pharma. The High Court's initial ruling, which permitted Natco Pharma to release the drug, has now been challenged by Roche through an appeal to the Supreme Court.

Implications for the Pharmaceutical Industry

This case underscores the complex interplay between intellectual property rights and access to medication in the pharmaceutical sector. The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching consequences for both companies involved and potentially set a precedent for similar cases in the future.

What's at Stake

The dispute over Risdiplam highlights several key issues:

• Patent Protection: Roche's appeal emphasizes the importance of patent protection for pharmaceutical innovations.
• Market Access: Natco Pharma's ability to release the drug could potentially increase market competition and drug accessibility.
• Legal Precedent: The Supreme Court's decision may influence future cases involving drug patents and generic manufacturers.

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry will be closely watching for a resolution to this high-stakes legal conflict between Roche and Natco Pharma.

Natco Pharma , a prominent player in the Indian pharmaceutical sector, has received resounding support from its shareholders for its proposed acquisition of shares in Adcock Ingram Holdings Limited. The company announced that an impressive 98.66% of votes were cast in favor of the acquisition plan, signaling strong investor confidence in the strategic move.

Acquisition Details

The proposed acquisition involves Natco Pharma South Africa Proprietary Limited, a subsidiary of Natco Pharma, acquiring all issued ordinary shares in Adcock Ingram, except for those already held by Natco, those owned by Bidvest, and Adcock Ingram's treasury shares.

Shareholder Meeting Outcome

A general meeting was held on October 9, 2025, where shareholders voted on the scheme resolution. The results of the voting were as follows:

The scheme resolution was passed by the required majority, meeting all quorum requirements in accordance with the Companies Act and the company's Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI).

Next Steps

While shareholder approval marks a significant milestone, the scheme remains subject to the fulfillment or waiver of outstanding conditions precedent. Once these conditions are met and the Takeover Regulation Panel of South Africa issues a compliance certificate, the following actions will take place:

1. Adcock Ingram's issued ordinary shares will be delisted from the Main Board of the JSE Limited.
2. Shareholders recorded on the Adcock Ingram Securities Register on the Scheme Record Date will receive ZAR 75.00 per Adcock Ingram Share as the Per Share Scheme Consideration.

Natco Pharma has stated that the final dates for the implementation of the scheme and the delisting of Adcock Ingram from the JSE will be announced in due course.

Advisors

For this significant transaction, Natco Pharma is being advised by Investec Bank Limited and Bowmans Gilfillan Inc.

This acquisition represents a major step for Natco Pharma in expanding its global footprint and strengthening its position in the pharmaceutical industry. The overwhelming shareholder support suggests that investors see potential value in this strategic move, which could lead to enhanced market presence and potential synergies for the company.