Recently, the Apex court of India rejected the
patent application of Novartis’s anti-cancer drug Gleevec
(http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/landmark-verdict-gives-big-boost-to-cancer-patients/article4569056.ece?homepage=true)
As per Indian law "ever-greening" of
the drugs is not encouraged whereas the big pharma companies keep on doing
minor modifications to gain longer patent life in the US and other Western
countries. This judgment therefore is in the right direction as it
clearly defines what "innovation" is in the Indian drug market
context and will give hope to millions of poor patients not only in India but
across the world.
But, I also have a point against the Indian
pharma industry which is mostly focused on 'generics'. Indian pharma industry
is not too keen on developing new drugs (NCEs) and is looking for major profits
once the old drugs come off patent. This is not a healthy trend. Also, the
amount being charged by these companies on these drugs can be slashed even more
as they have not spent even a penny for the development of these drugs and so
there is no point in even charging what they are right now for these drugs!!!
Of course, the above point holds true for NCEs
but may not hold true for Biologics!. Biosimilars are a different ball game all
together and it would be interesting to see what the future holds for the
Indian pharma industry which is betting heavily on generics and biosimilars!
Finally, this verdict is definitely good for the
patients and may be also good for the Indian pharma industry in the short run
but I feel Indian pharma and Biotech industry need to innovate more and come
out of the “profit making with minimal investment mindset"!
