Madras HC dismisses Novartis` petition
the verdict is heavy on symbolism. The Madras High Court dismissed a petition by pharmaceutical giant Novartis challenging section 3d of the Indian Patent (Amendments) Act 2005. Human rights groups said it will help ensure access of drugs to the poor. The company said the ruling will adversely affect innovations in drug research.
Fallout of refusal Novartis moved the court after the Chennai patent office rejected a patent request for its cancer drug Gleevec in January 2006 (see