September 20, 2006

Biotech company loses patent argument; consumers benefit?

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reports that ImClone Systems was caught off guard by a judge's ruling this week about the patent for the cancer drug Erbitux. The Journal reports the judge "ruled Monday that three Israeli scientists were the true inventors of a patent covering a use of the monoclonal antibody Erbitux when given in combination with chemotherapy."

The paper further reports that the attorney for the three Israeli scientists "said his clients' win would be good for patients and good for competition. By seeking wider, nonexclusive licensing of the patent, (they) will encourage other manufacturers whose entry into the market will apply downward pressure on pricing for such cancer treatments."

Posted by schwitz at September 20, 2006 07:55 AM | TrackBack
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