Tarceva IP challenged in India

Roche (SWX:ROG) said proceedings have begun in its lawsuit against Cipla (Mumbai, India) in the Delhi High Court. Roche is seeking an injunction against the launch of a generic version of Tarceva erlotinib in India. Roche was granted an Indian patent covering Tarceva in July 2007.

Separately, a compulsory license application by Natco (Hyderabad, India) to manufacture and export Tarceva to Nepal is also under review in India. Natco submitted the application on Sept. 11, 2007, to India's Office of the Controller General of Patents. A Natco spokesperson said the company offered Roche a 5% royalty on sales in Nepal. ...