Lopinavir/Ritonavir
Lopinavir/Ritonavir, also known as Kaletra or Aluvia, is one of the most effective HIV drugs on the market today. Yet Abbott Laboratories, the U.S. patent holder of these drugs, is not doing enough to make this important drug available to the public. Because we believe that many of the patents surrounding this essential drug are non-meritorious, I-MAK and its partners are challenging Lopinavir/Ritonavir patents across the world. Decisions are expected in mid-2009.
Basic Background
I-MAK Summary of Patent Challenges on Lopinavir/Ritonavir tablet in Europe and India [pdf]
Press Release on Patent Challenges on Lopinavir/Ritonavir tablet in Europe and India [pdf]
I-MAK Patent Challenges and Related Information
Submission to the European Patent Office on the 'heat-stable' Lopinavir/Ritonavir tablet [pdf]
Submission to the Indian Patent Office on the 'heat-stable' Lopinavir/Ritonavir tablet [pdf]
Indian pre-grant opposition on Lopinavir/Ritonavir Soft-Gel Capsule [pdf]
Indian Patent Office's response on Soft-Gel Capsule Opposition, determining that Abbott withdrew this application [pdf]
Indian pre-grant opposition on Ritonavir crystalline [pdf]
Indian pre-grant opposition on Lopinavir crystalline [pdf]
I-MAK Update on EPO Lopinavir crystalline rejection
Related Reading
Pat(i)ent Watch fact sheet [pdf]
"Inside Abbott's Tactics to Protect AIDS Drug: Older Pill's Price Hike Helps Sales of Flagship; A Probe in Illinois", John Carreyrou, Wall Street Journal
INP+ Discussion Paper setting out the impact of Lopinavir/Ritonavir patenting on India's treatment programme [pdf]
Doctors without Borders page on Lopinavir/Ritonavir
Thailand White Paper [pdf]