Ruling intended to prevent patenting of inventions known earlier.

In yet another setback to Swiss drug multinational Novartis AG, the Indian patent office has rejected its application to secure a patent for an alfa crystal form of its blockbuster cancer medicine, Glivec.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has lost a patent infringement case in the US on Cardene, a drug for controlling high blood pressure. However, the main patent expires this November.

Impax Laboratories Inc confirmed that it has initiated a challenge of the patents listed by Genzyme Corporation in connection with its Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) 800 mg tablets.

USP India, United States Pharmacopoeia's Indian chapter, will focus on developing and revising its standard setting activities in India, said Ashok Dang, senior manager of USP-India Ltd.