ALJAZEERA: India’s highest court has dismissed Swiss drug maker Novartis AG’s petition seeking patent protection for a cancer drug, a serious blow to Western pharmaceutical firms which are increasingly focusing on India to drive sales.
…Since 2006, Novartis was challenging the Indian government to demand protection against Indian companies copying its drugs.
But the court ruled that the drug for which Novartis was seeking a patent “did not satisfy the test of novelty or inventiveness” required by Indian law… (more)
EDITORIAL: By creating competition, this Indian Supreme Court ruling could have immense impact in reducing the cost of prescription drugs here in the USA and throughout the world.
Having worked in R&D for over 30 years I can attest that it’s quite easy to copy others innovations. Until Indian science can create new drug products sans stealing the innovation of others they will not contribute much. Governments who respect patent protection will bar stolen innovation from the marketplace.
EDITOR: Tell it to our generic Viagra supplier!