“The court has recognised the right of patients to access affordable medicines over profits for big pharma companies”

It was celebration time for health activists and civil society groups after the Supreme Court delivered its judgment dismissing Swiss multinational company Novartis’ appeal for patent for its anti-cancer medicine imatinib mesylate or Gleevec. “We are happy that the apex court has recognised the right of patients to access affordable medicines over profits for big pharmaceutical companies through patents.