Novartis told to drop generic court case

Pharmaceuticals giant Novartis should stop legal proceedings against the Indian government over patent laws, according to MEPs from the European Green and Socialist groups.

The results of a first hearing in the Novartis case are due today (15 February).

India has created a market in cheap generic drugs traded across the developing world by limiting patent rights to only the newest drugs.

A written declaration adopted yesterday (14 February) by Green and Socialist MEPs asks Novartis to drop its case "so that access to all generic medicines can continue".

In a letter last week, six Green and Socialist MEPs said: "We acknowledge the importance of patent rights. However, they must not go against the interest of millions of people who desperately need access to cheaper drugs."

A Novartis spokeswoman said her group had requested meetings with the MEPs involved to explain the position of her company and the details of the case.

"We remain open to dialogue with all groups on this issue, which is not about patient access but about trade obligations," the spokeswoman said. "Furthermore, our actions in India do not hinder the supply of medicines to poor countries. World Trade Organization agreements are in place to safeguard medicines for public health reasons, including poor countries that do not have sufficient local production capacity."

The spokeswoman added that Novartis needed a clearer picture of India’s patent laws. "Knowing if we can rely on patents in India is good for government, industry and patients because research-based organisations will know if investing in better medicines for India is a viable long-term option," she explained.

Pharmaceuticals giant Novartis should stop legal proceedings against the Indian government over patent laws, according to MEPs from the European Green and Socialist groups.