Date:21/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/06/21/stories/2005062102530200.htm

Back Within patent regime ambit: Novartis

Our Bureau

MUMBAI: The pre-grant opposition filed by Natco against Novartis' patent application for its blood cancer drug is within the ambit of the new patent regime, said Mr Ranjit Shahani, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Novartis India.

While pre-grant opposition may be the landscape for the future, he said the case would be heard on its merit, by the patent controllers office. Novartis is supporting about 4,000 cancer patients who need Glivec and the company has spent about $100 million (Rs 435 crore) on the India programme, said Mr Shahani.