Landmark case pits pharma giants against health aid groups

Activists say cheaply made Indian generics are a lifesaver for millions of patients in poor countries but drugmakers are intent on protecting their patents. Nirmala George reports from New Delhi

India’s Supreme Court is to rule today on a landmark patent case involving Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG that focuses on demands by major companies that their investments be protected, against Indian companies that say they should be allowed to continue producing cheaper generic versions of many lifesaving medicines.

A decision in the seven-year legal battle is keenly awaited by the two most interested parties — big pharma companies and health aid groups — with both sides saying the outcome will set a precedent with far-reaching consequences for the future availability of the drugs.