India’s decision to allow Natco Pharma to sell Bayer’s patented cancer drug, Nexavar, has divided the pharmaceutical industry. Domestic firms have welcomed it, while multinationals say ‘arbitrarily’ using compulsory licences will undermine innovation in the sector.
Disappointed with the development, Bayer said it was evaluating options for its next step. “We are disappointed by the decision of the Patent Controller in India to grant a compulsory licence for Nexavar. We will evaluate our options to further defend our intellectual property rights in India,” a spokesperson said.
While the body of domestic pharma firms, Indian Drug Manufacturers Association, said the move would benefit both patients and industry, the group for multinational companies, Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India, said it would be detrimental in the long run.