Patent Office rejects Novartis' patent claim on diabetes drug

The Patent Office (PO) in Delhi has rejected an application of Swiss pharma firm Novartis seeking patent for a modified release formulation of its diabetes drug, Vildagliptin, which it markets under the brand name of Galvus, according to a Business Standard report. Novartis has been engaged in litigation with some Indian companies on a patent for Vildagliptin in this country.
 
In his order, Rajesh Dixit, assistant controller of patents and designs, Delhi, has said that the claims failed to meet the requirements under Section 2(1)(j) of the patent law, which says an invention means a new product or process involving an inventive step and capable of industrial application. The company also failed to meet the requirements of Section 3(d) and 3(e) of the Act, he said. So, a grant of patent was refused.
 
FOR A COMPLETE REPORT READ: Patent refused to Novartis on anti-diabetes formulation