Court allows Cipla to market disputed drug

The interim order was passed by the court today on a plea filed by Roche Scientific on January 19 this year. The generic name of the drug is Erlotnib, which Roche markets as Tarceva and Cipla as Erlocip.  Ahead of the next hearing, the court has asked Cipla to maintain records of sales of Erlocip.  It has also admitted the counter-claim filed by Cipla that questions the validity of the Roche patent and asked the latter to respond within four weeks from today.  The case, which is being keenly watched by global and Indian drug firms and consumer interest groups, is the first test case of India