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Indian generic firms Torrent Pharma, Zydus Cadila and Sun Pharma, that have launched versions of Sanofi-Aventis’ anti-obesity drug Acomplia (rimonabant) in India, seem unperturbed by the imminent launch of the drug in India.

Sanofi-Aventis has applied for a patent protection for Acomplia here.

Since a patent holder cannot block the generics already available in the market, experts opine that Sanofi-Aventis can ask for a royalty from the generic companies once it is granted patent for rimonabant. However, Indian firms are of the view that since Rimonabant is a pre-1995 molecule, they are not entitled to pay royalty to Sanofi-Aventis.

In May, Torrent and Cadila launched the generic versions of Acomplia in India, named Remoslim and Slimona respectively. Sun Pharma has also launched two drugs, Riocity and Riobec.

Ruchir Modi, VP, marketing, Torrent said, “Rimonabant was discovered by Sanofi before 1995, thus Sanofi is not entitled to obtain product patent as per the patents laws of India. Hence, the question of paying royalty to Sanofi does not arise.” Torrent Pharma is aiming to clock Rs 10 crore in sales in the first year of its launch.

Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=166520