India nixes Novartis patent, clears path for cheaper Vymada generics
In what is being termed a landmark decision, the Indian Patent Office has annulled Novartis’ (NOVN: VX) patent for its heart failure drug Vymada, internationally known as Entresto(sacubitril/valsartan), citing a lack of novelty and insufficient inventive step.
The rulin2g concluded that the company failed to demonstrate meaningful technical advancement or therapeutic superiority over existing treatments.
The patent ruling has enabled domestic pharmaceutical firms such as Natco Pharma (BOM: 524816), Torrent Pharmaceuticals (BOM: 500420), MSN Labs, and Eris Lifesciences (BOM: 540596), who were previously restrained by litigation, to now launch their own versions.
The highlight is a cost reduction of up to 70%, significantly improving affordability for heart failure patients across India.
Vymada, a combination of sacubitril and valsartan, represents a key asset in Novartis' cardiovascular portfolio, having generated $7.8 billion in global sales in 2024, making it the Swiss pharmaceutical giant’s top-selling drugs.
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