Novartis Says Adverse Gleevec Ruling Would Impact Outlook For India

MUMBAI – India’s Supreme Court is set to deliver a closely watched verdict April 1 on whether Novartis AG’s blockbuster tyrosine kinase inhibitor Gleevec/Glivec (imatinib) is patentable under Indian law. In the buildup to the decision, the Swiss company has said an adverse ruling could impact its plans for India, and would also hurt Indian pharma companies looking to transition from generics to innovation.

In a call with journalists March 27, Paul Herrling, Novartis’ head of corporate research, noted the Gleevec dispute hinges on Section 3(d), a clause introduced in India’s amended Patent Act...