US Patent office revokes patents for tenofovir

[minus_25]

I'm not sure if this should be posted in this section.  It's not really research, but this could affect the cost of major HIV meds, especially in countries like Brazil and India.  Mods - please move this to the correct area if it doesn't belong here.

The US patent office revoked four patents for tenofovir disoproxil fumarate on the grounds of prior art.  Of course, Gilead Sciences, the maker of tenofovir, has vowed to appeal.

Here is the article:

http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/news/article.cfm?id=2484

[minismom]

tenofovir = Viread?  Does this mean that the drug will no longer be available in the U.S., or that it will become outrageously expensive?

Mum

[redhotmuslbear]

tenofovir = Viread?  Does this mean that the drug will no longer be available in the U.S., or that it will become outrageously expensive?

No, it means that other US firms can apply to the FDA to produce competing forms of the drug, thereby driving down the price.  It also means that patents will not be granted in other countries where substantial generic drug production is done, like Brazil and India.  Do keep in mind that the ruling is tentative and could potentially not be re-affirmed later.

Being invested in Gilead, I have mixed feelings about the news.  Still, based on its other products the markets have not beaten up the stock for this news.

Cheers,
David