An Indian court has rejected Novartis’ challenge of a law that denies patent protection to drugs that are only minor improvements to earlier drugs. Novartis’ challenge came after the Indian government allowed drug companies to make generic versions of the cancer drug Gleevec.
This is great news for consumers — both because it enables more people in the Third World to have access to affordable drugs, and because it encourages companies like Novartis to focus their R&D money on real innovation, rather than wasting valuable research dollars on gaming the system to extend patents.
More from Ed at Pharmalot.
1 response so far ↓
1 sripathy // Sep 25, 2007 at 6:34 am
This is very good news not only for those living in third world countries but also for all those living in so called developed world. People living in developed countries are unaware that the pharmaceutical companies are looting them by making minor modification in the original form and charging them hefty premium. This ruling must be implemented by all countries.
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