Another negative Indian patent ruling, this time for Pfizer's Sutent

In yet another setback for research-based pharmaceutical companies, last week the Indian patent office revoked US drugs behemoth Pfizer's(NNYSE: PFE) patent for an anti-cancer drug in that country, the Indian Business Standard reported.

The patent office has rejected Pfizer's claim for the patent on Sutent (sunitinib), a treatment for liver and kidney cancer, arguing that the company’s patent does not involve any inventive step. The post-grant opposition was filed by Mumbai-based Cipla (BSE: 50087) and Natco Pharma (524816: BY. Pfizer India will appeal before Intellectual Property Appellate Board (IPAB) against the decision.

While Cipla officials were unavailable for comment, says the Business Standard, Pfizer India said the company will appeal patent office's decision before IPAB. In a statement, Pfizer India said that patent office's decision has raised concerns over India's commitment to protect intellectual property.