India’s Supreme Court turned down Novartis’ patent bid for an updated version of Glivec (imatinib mesylate), its blockbusting leukemia medication, saying that the updated compound “did not satisfy the test of novelty or inventiveness” required by the country’s legislation.



leukemia

the Indian judgment followed the country’s laws which blocks drug companies from gaining new patents after making minor alterations to their medications



AFP



In an online communiqué today





“Novartis has never been granted an original patent for Glivec in India. We strongly believe that original innovation should be recognized in patents to encourage investment in medical innovation especially for unmet medical needs. We brought this case because we strongly believe patents safeguard innovation and encourage medical progress, particularly for unmet medical needs. This ruling is a setback for patients that will hinder medical progress for diseases without effective treatment options.

Novartis will not invest in drug research in India. Not only Novartis, I don’t think any global company is planning to research in India.”

Novartis pointed out that 90% of patients currently taking Glivec in India will continue doing so at no cost through Novartis Oncology Access programs.



Cipla



“Patents will be given only for genuine inventions, and repetitive patents will not be given for minor tweaks to an existing drug.”

Branded Glivec costs about $2,600 per month for leukemia patients needing treatment. Its generic version can be obtained in India for as little as $175 per month.

The Cancer Patients Aid Associationcancer

AIDS

India’s $26 billion generic drug industry supplies much of the developing world with cheap medications







It rejected a product patent it had previously granted for the drug valganciclovirHIV