Indian companies move patent matters out of court

As generic drugmakers are dragged to court by patent holders and the cost of litigation soars for both generic as well as innovative pharma companies, many are settling patent disputes out of court. Generic companies often agree to delay their entry into the market in exchange for certain benefits, such as licenses to other patents, reports The Pharma Letter’s India correspondent.

Take Bristol Myers Squibb's (NYSE: BMY) patent litigation against Indian generic competitors for the former's anticoagulant drug Eliquis (apixaban). BMS and Micro Labs have informed the Delhi High Court that with the patent expiring in a few weeks, they are willing to discuss an amicable resolution.

While the court has directed Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma to maintain a status quo in the patent fight, BMS is continuing its fight with six other companies - Emcure Pharma, Torrent Pharma, Cipla, Alkem Laboratories, Indoco Remedies, and BDR Pharma - for allegedly infringing its patent on the drug.