This past month, the Indian Supreme Court heard a landmark patent case that may limit the right of Indian companies to make generic copies of drugs that have been developed and patented in the U.S. and Europe. The case was brought forth by the Swiss company Novartis, whose patent for Glivec was rejected in India. Although Glivec – used to treat a rare form of Leukemia and gastrointestinal tumors – has received patents in many countries, according to Indian law patents can be turned down if officials determine that a medicine does not yield new benefits for patients over existing drugs. Novartis’s Glivec patent was first denied in India six years ago at which time Indian officials denied that there was a significant benefit from the new form. Despite the ruling, Novartis continues to argue that the new form of the medicine provides a more advanced treatment for patients.
Reformation of Landmark Patent
The first patent case to reach India’s highest court, the case has created a major conflict between international pharmaceutical companies who feel that Indian intellectual property (IP) laws are inadequate (and continue to favor the domestic generics industry), and international aid groups who say excessive patenting will restrict the availability of affordable medicines required to combat life threatening diseases in the developing world.
IP reforms and stronger patent laws in India will certainly limit the availability of lower cost medications i.e. generic versions of patented drugs. Since 1970, India’s legislature has supported the production of generics, providing a strong niche for many Indian companies. Cipla, known as India’s ‘Generics King’, is the primary global supplier of HIV and antimalarial drugs in the developing world. The decision of this case may indeed restrict the role of such companies in the future. Finding a solution which supports both innovation and makes low cost drugs accessible in developing countries is truly a challenge, and one that may not easily be resolved.
About Language Connections:
Language Connections is one of the top language service companies in the US. Over the last 30 years, we’ve focused on providing the best business translation services, interpreting services, as well as interpreter training and customized language training programs. In addition to top-tier corporate language training, we offer certified corporate interpreters and professional business translation services in 200+ languages. Our network includes linguists with backgrounds in all major industries. They’re ready to meet your needs, whether they’re for technical translation services, legal translation, government translation services, international development translation services, education translation services, life sciences translation, or something else. Reach out to us today for a free quote on our cost-efficient and timely translation services, interpreters, or other linguistic services.
Language Connections LLC
2001 Beacon Street, Suite 105,
Boston, MA 02135
Phone: +1-617-731-3510
Email: service@languageconnections.com