The patent would have extended J&J's monopoly on the anti-TB drug in India. But with this judgment, generic manufacturers can now make their own versions at an affordable price from this year.
The Indian Patent Office on Thursday rejected US pharmaceutical giant Johnson and Johnson's application to extend its patent on a key tuberculosis treatment, allowing local companies to make cheaper generic versions.
The patent on the drug made India dependent on drug supplies from J&J, the latest decision will pave the way for generic versions in the local market, increasing access