Novartis case: Delhi HC pulls up patent office over decade-long delay in breast cancer drug approval

Core Viewpoint - The Delhi High Court criticized the Controller General of Patents for the prolonged delay in deciding on Novartis AG's patent application for the breast cancer drug Ribociclib, which has been pending since 2011, highlighting a significant inefficiency within the department [2]. Group 1: Legal and Regulatory Context - The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks has been instructed to establish a standard operating procedure for the timely disposal of patent applications [2]. - Justice Jyoti Singh emphasized the necessity for the Controller to resolve Novartis' patent application and the related opposition within a four-month timeframe [2]. Group 2: Implications for Novartis - The delay in patent approval for Ribociclib could impact Novartis' market position and revenue potential in the breast cancer treatment sector [2]. - The court's directive for timely decision-making may lead to a more efficient patent approval process, potentially benefiting Novartis and similar companies in the pharmaceutical industry [2].