India rejects patent on Pfizer's arthritis drug

By

India has again denied Pfizer Inc(PFE.N) a patent on its rheumatoid arthritis drug tofacitinib, the latest setback for a multinational drugmaker seeking to enforce its intellectual property rights in the country.

Pfizer sought a patent that covers an important chemical formulation of the active compound in the medicine, but the Indian Patent Office said the company would have to establish that the compound for which it is seeking a patent is therapeutically more effective than the active compound.

"The invention disclosed and claimed in the instant application ... is not considered as an invention under the provisions of the Act," Bharat N S, an assistant controller at the patent office, wrote in an order dated Sept. 3.

Pfizer is reviewing its options for further action, a Mumbai-based company spokesman said in an emailed statement.

Drug patents have become a thorny issue for global drugmakers seeking to expand in India's fast-growing healthcare market.

Companies including Pfizer, Bayer (BAYGn.DE) and Roche (ROG.VX) have in recent years struggled to retain exclusivity on drugs in India, and have blamed patent laws they say are designed to favour the local industry.

India, however, has said its drug patents policy is designed to ensure medicines remain affordable for the country where less than 15 percent of the population has health insurance.

India's patent office had rejected Pfizer's application to patent tofacitinib in 2011, but was ordered to reconsider the decision by the Intellectual Property Appellate Board, after Pfizer appealed.

Tags
India, Patent
Join the Discussion
More News
FSU Shooting

Parkland Survivors Faced Second Deadly School Shooting at FSU: 'I Kind of Knew the Drill Already'

Jammacar Rodkesh Gayle

Florida Man Steals Knife From Butcher Counter to Brutally Stab Woman Who Criticized His 'Uncontrolled' Children

Memphis Police

Pregnant Woman Was Ready to Apologize After Her Dog Bit a Child. Then Armed Teens Arrived to Beat Her With Guns

6 Idaho men charged with battery

Idaho Men Who Forcibly Dragged Woman Out of Town Hall Charged With Battery