The grounds for opposing patent applications for velpatasvir

Gilead Sciences has applied for multiple patents on oral hepatitis C medicines - sofosbuvir and velpatasvir in India: not only limiting itself to basic patents but also staking claims on a number of additional patents for routine improvements and derivatives. This brief provides technical information based on which Delhi Network of Positive People has filed oppositions in India challenging Gilead’s patent applications for the tablet formulation of the fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and the polymorph form of velpatasvir.

Relevant patent opposition documents can be found in the Patent Opposition Database, an online resource for civil society and patient groups in developing countries that enables sharing of technical information related to legal challenges of unwarranted medical patents.The web-based searchable database, which already contains technical documentation for more than 100 patent oppositions relating to key medicines, now offers improved collaboration tools and easier searching. Visit patentoppositions.org.