Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Bayer appeals India’s compulsory license of Nexavar:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304749904577385552118365454.html

…India's patent authority had in March forced Bayer to grant a compulsory license to Hyderabad, south India-based Natco Pharma Ltd. to sell a cheaper copy of Nexavar to ensure patients have access to the potentially life-saving medicine.

The patent authority, in its decision, noted that Bayer's patented drug sells for 284,428 rupees, or $5,319, for a monthly supply. Natco Pharma, the generics competitor that brought the case to the patent authority, sought to sell a month's supply of the generic version of Nexavar, sorafenib tosylate, at 8,800 rupees, or $164…

…To further complicate efforts by big Western pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop their businesses in India, Cipla Ltd.—one of India's largest generic drug manufacturer—has said it's cutting prices on its cancer medicines by up to 75%.