India rejects HIV drug patent application by Abbott Laboratories

India, over the New Year weekend, has rejected an unmerited HIV drug patent application by US drug giant Abbott Laboratories, paving the way for access to lifesaving medication for HIV patients across the world.

This groundbreaking victory for HIV patients has set, what is described by various NGOs as an" important precedent to stop pharmaceutical companies from gaming the patent system," and paves the way for trhe supply of cheaper generics for millions of people living with HIV all over the world.

This drug combination, Lopinavir / Ritonavir, is considered the front line of defense for HIV positive patients, who have failed to stay healthy with the first round of medicines available today.

India, the world's leading supplier of affordable medicines, can now supply this drug to HIV patients across the globe.

The legal case against Abbott was bought on by Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge (I-MAK), a non-profit organisation.

I-MAK has earlier supported patient groups in India in filing against the Lopinavir and Ritonavir patents individually, as well as against the known soft-gel capsule of this drug combination.