Delhi HC's Zydus Ruling: Cheaper Cancer Drugs vs Patents - Will Access Expand?

• Delhi High Court allowed Zydus Lifesciences to launch a biosimilar of Nivolumab, a costly cancer immunotherapy drug, before its patent expiry.
• The court prioritized public interest, noting Nivolumab is a life-saving drug and its patent is nearing expiry, allowing biosimilar sale while safeguarding patentee interests.
• Nivolumab, sold as Opdivo, is a breakthrough immunotherapy for various cancers, but its high cost (lakhs per month) makes it inaccessible for many in India.
• The ruling could significantly reduce cancer treatment costs, potentially making immunotherapy accessible in public hospitals and influencing national health programs like Ayushman Bharat.
• This decision signals a judicial willingness to weigh public health evidence heavily in patent disputes, potentially reshaping cancer care access and regulation in India.

Why It Matters: Delhi HC prioritizes public health over patent exclusivity for life-saving cancer drugs, potentially expanding access.