#patents

Stocks of drug companies are rising—and that’s not a good sign for consumers.

The drugmaker is accused of infringing on a patent held by rival Merck & Co. over its formulas for Sovaldi and Harvoni treatment.

The state’s health secretary considers a radical plan to get the U.S. government to step in and override HCV patent protections.

If successful, the attempt could make cheaper generic versions of sofosbuvir (Sovaldi) available across the continent.

Their aim is to help remove existing barriers to the production and distribution of generic HCV treatment around the world.

Merck has long argued that Gilead infringed on a patent-protected biotech invention as the basis for its next-generation hepatitis C cures.

Last month, 35 states and the District of Columbia sued the makers of this popular medication-assisted treatment in a federal court probe.

The ruling overturns a landmark decision that would have forced Gilead Sciences to share royalties with Merck over breakthrough HCV cures.

Treatment access advocates warn the move could drastically limit the availability of generic hepatitis C treatment around the world.

Merck has won its chance for royalties on the Gilead Sciences hepatitis C virus treatments Sovaldi and Harvoni.

Lawyers argue that the formula for sofosbuvir was based on “old science” and that the patent should be rejected.

Advocates say the decision could lead the way for more countries to nix protections over the expensive liver disease treatment.

Experts say taking away the patent for the HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B drug will open the door for cheaper versions of the drug.

In a victory for patients’ rights groups, the Intellectual Property Appellate Board in India has revoked Roche’s patent on the hepatitis C dru...

Gilead Sciences has expanded its global access program for HBV in developing countries by joining medicines patent pool.