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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : January 16, 2015 10:19 AM IST
New Delhi, Jan 15: A US based domestic drug company Gilead which sells hepatitis C durg sofosbuvir has been denied its patent by the Indian patent office which proves to be a boost to domestic drug firm Natco Pharma. Gilead sells the drug under the brand name Sovaldi in the US and an order by Deputy Controller of Patents & Designs, Hardev Karar said that Gilead failed to prove that were enhancement of therapeutic efficacy in the new discovery. Sovaldi is priced at 84000 USD for a 12 week course in the US which has received criticism from advocates of patients all over US.
Hyderabd based Natco Pharm,a and Capital-based NGO Delhi Network of Positive People (DNP+) along with Another entity Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge {1-MAK), Inc, USA had opposed the patent filed by Gilead. When contacted Natco officials declined to comment, while an emailed query sent to Gilead remained unanswered. Read more about Hepatitis C causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention
With a nobel initiative of making the HerpatitisC drug available to 91 developing countries Gilead had entered into licensing agreement with seven India-based firms , including Cipla, Ranbaxy and Cadila. Gilead had also planned to launch its own drug Sovaldi in India at the cost of 300USD per bottle while Indian companies were allowed to fix their own price for the generic product they produce, paying a royalty on sales. (Read: World Hepatitis Day 2013: Be aware of hepatitis, get tested today!)
With inputs from PTI
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