Brands
Biocon launches liraglutide in the Netherlands in first EU branded debut
BENGALURU: Biocon Limited has launched its glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy, liraglutide, in the Netherlands, marking the first European Union market where the Indian bio-pharmaceutical group is selling the drug under its own brands.
The drug-device combination will be marketed as Diavorin for diabetes and Vobexoryn for chronic weight management, through Dutch partner Pharmamedic BV. The rollout follows regulatory clearance earlier this year from the Netherlands’ Medicines Evaluation Board.
The launch gives Biocon an early European foothold in the fiercely contested GLP-1 market, which has become central to global treatment strategies for diabetes and obesity. Liraglutide is already approved and widely used internationally, but this is Biocon’s first direct branded entry into the EU.
Chief executive officer and managing director Siddharth Mittal, said the move strengthens the company’s peptide-led growth strategy and underlines its ambition to expand access to affordable metabolic therapies at scale. He added that the launch reflects Biocon’s integrated manufacturing capabilities and long-term focus on sustainable healthcare systems.
Liraglutide, a once-daily injectable GLP-1 analogue, was first approved in Europe in 2009 and later cleared in the US for diabetes and obesity. Biocon said further European launches are expected as it builds out its GLP-1 portfolio across key global markets.
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Brands
Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
