E-DRUG: Combivir patent rejected in China
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Dear all,
We have learnt that following the re-examination process, GlaxoSmithKline's
patent on Combivir fixed-dose combination (AZT or zidovudine + 3TC or
lamivudine) has been rejected in China.
Interestingly, during this re-examination process, GSK never presented a
request to the patent examiners to withdraw their patent application -
contrary to their 10 August 2006 claim that "the patent and patent
applications relating to this specific formulation of Combivir have been
withdrawn in all countries where it has been filed." (see GSK website press
releases archive)
Please note however that other patents remain in force in China concerning
methods for preparing both Lamivudine and the pharmaceutical composition
comprising Lamivudine and Zidovudine.
Thanks
James Arkinstall
MSF Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines
james.arkinstall@paris.msf.org