Home / Health / Cancer Drug Battle: Zydus Wins High Court Nod
Cancer Drug Battle: Zydus Wins High Court Nod
13 Jan
Summary
- Delhi High Court allows Zydus to sell its cancer drug.
- Nivolumab patent was set to expire on May 2, 2026.
- Court prioritized public interest over patent holder's rights.
The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of Zydus Lifesciences, allowing the company to sell and market a biosimilar version of the anti-cancer drug Nivolumab in India. A division bench set aside a single judge's order that had temporarily barred Zydus from proceeding with the sale of its biosimilar, ZRC-3276.
The court's decision came in response to a patent infringement suit filed by E.R. Squibb & Sons LLC, the marketer of Nivolumab under the brand Opdivo. Zydus was granted permission to sell its version, as the original patent held by Squibb was scheduled to expire on May 2, 2026. The court emphasized that public interest is paramount when dealing with life-saving medications.
Acknowledging the short remaining period before the patent's expiry, the bench directed Zydus to submit audited accounts of sales for ZRC-3276. This arrangement aims to protect the interests of both parties while ensuring the critical therapy remains accessible to patients who need it, preventing undue prejudice to public health.
