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ITV News
26-07-2025
- Business
- ITV News
UK-India trade deal sparks fears over access to cheap medicines for millions
A newly signed trade agreement between India and the UK has triggered concerns that millions of poor Indians may lose access to affordable life-saving medicines. Civil society groups and health experts say the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), finalised between two countries, tilts the balance in favour of multinational pharmaceutical corporations and threatens to erode long-standing protections that have allowed India to produce low-cost generic drugs. 'This is not just about trade. It's about whether a person living on ₹200 (£2) a day can afford cancer treatment or survive tuberculosis,' said Jyotsna Singh, co-convenor of the Working Group on Access to Medicines and Treatments. At the heart of the controversy are the agreement's intellectual property (IP) provisions, which activists say may restrict the Indian government's ability to issue compulsory licences—legal tools that allow domestic companies to manufacture patented drugs at reduced prices during public health emergencies. India used this provision in 2012 to dramatically cut the price of sorafenib, a cancer drug sold by Bayer under the brand Nexavar. Generic versions slashed the monthly cost by nearly 97%, from ₹2.8 lakh (£2,600) to around ₹8,800 (£80), making it affordable to thousands. 'By discouraging compulsory licensing and promoting voluntary licences, the deal hands over control of access to medicines to the market,' said Prof Biswajit Dhar, a trade expert and former professor at New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University. 'Voluntary licences often come with strings attached and don't bring the same price reductions.' Weakening India's Patent Safeguards Under the FTA, companies will no longer need to report annually how their patents are being 'worked'—or used—in India. Instead, disclosures can be made every three years, and some information can be kept confidential. Activists say this undermines transparency and makes it harder to prove that a drug isn't available to the public, a key step in applying for a compulsory licence. There are also concerns the deal could open the door to 'evergreening'—a tactic in which companies make minor changes to existing drugs and claim new patents. Indian law currently limits this practice under Section 3(d) of the Patents Act, but experts warn the FTA's emphasis on 'harmonisation' of IP standards with Western countries could override such protections. 'This is effectively a backdoor entry for TRIPS-plus provisions,' said K.M. Gopakumar, co-convenor of the Working Group. 'It would push India to grant unnecessary patents, prolonging monopolies and delaying cheaper alternatives.' The Indian pharmaceutical industry supplies more than 60% of global vaccines and a significant share of affordable generics to low- and middle-income countries. Critics say the FTA may limit this capacity and ultimately have consequences well beyond India's borders. Government response The Indian government has promoted the FTA as a landmark deal that will boost exports and attract UK investment in manufacturing, services, and digital trade. Officials insist that India has preserved its ability to protect public health. But rights groups remain unconvinced. 'You cannot negotiate away access to life-saving drugs in the name of free trade,' said Gargeya Telakapalli, a public health campaigner based in Hyderabad. 'The poorest Indians—those with cancer, HIV, diabetes, or TB—are being quietly sacrificed.' Broader implications The deal follows a similar agreement India signed last year with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which also faced criticism for diluting IP safeguards. Observers say the trend may reflect a shift in India's trade policy as it seeks closer ties with Western economies. But for many in India's healthcare and legal communities, the question remains: how much access to medicine is the country willing to give up for a better trade balance? From Westminster to Washington DC - our political experts are across all the latest key talking points. Listen to the latest episode below...
The Print
25-07-2025
- Business
- The Print
India-UK trade agreement does not dilute New Delhi's right to issue compulsory licences: Official
The official said that the sovereign authority to issue such licences remains entirely with the Government of India, as per existing law. The agreement was signed on July 24 in London. New Delhi, Jul 25 (PTI) The India-UK free trade agreement does not dilute New Delhi's right to issue compulsory licences (CLs) and does not introduce any new preconditions for their issuance, an official said on Friday. 'The agreement's reference to voluntary licensing simply acknowledges global best practices that encourage collaborative solutions. It does not limit or dilute India's well-established right to issue CLs under a section of the Indian Patents Act, 1970,' the official said. The remarks are important as economic think tank GTRI has stated that India has accepted language in the intellectual property chapter of the free trade agreement with the UK that subtly curtails its ability to issue compulsory licences, a critical tool for accessing life-saving technologies during emergencies. As per WTO (World Trade Organisation) agreement, a compulsory license can be invoked by a national government allowing someone else to produce a patented product or process without the consent of the patent owner in public interest. Only one CL has been issued so far for the cancer drug Nexavar (2012) and that too under exceptional public health circumstances. 'The FTA does not create any new precondition for issuing CLs. The sovereign authority to issue such licenses remains entirely with the Government of India, as per existing law,' the official said. India's patent law continues to be recognized globally for balancing public health needs with innovation incentives.. 'The free trade pact does not alter this balance and in fact, it reaffirms India's policy autonomy,' the government official said adding the pact's provision on disclosure of commercial working of patents is fully consistent with India's existing legal regime and the evolving needs of a modern innovation ecosystem. The official added that the India–UK trade agreement marks a new era of cooperation that supports both affordable access to medicines and high standards of innovation and IP protection. PTI RR RR MR This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India-UK FTA does not dilute New Delhi's right to issue compulsory licences: Official
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel The India-UK free trade agreement does not dilute New Delhi's right to issue compulsory licences (CLs) and does not introduce any new preconditions for their issuance, an official said on agreement was signed on July 24 in official said that the sovereign authority to issue such licences remains entirely with the Government of India, as per existing law."The agreement's reference to voluntary licensing simply acknowledges global best practices that encourage collaborative solutions. It does not limit or dilute India's well-established right to issue CLs under a section of the Indian Patents Act, 1970," the official remarks are important as economic think tank GTRI has stated that India has accepted language in the intellectual property chapter of the free trade agreement with the UK that subtly curtails its ability to issue compulsory licences, a critical tool for accessing life-saving technologies during per WTO (World Trade Organisation) agreement, a compulsory license can be invoked by a national government allowing someone else to produce a patented product or process without the consent of the patent owner in public one CL has been issued so far for the cancer drug Nexavar (2012) and that too under exceptional public health circumstances."The FTA does not create any new precondition for issuing CLs. The sovereign authority to issue such licenses remains entirely with the Government of India, as per existing law," the official patent law continues to be recognized globally for balancing public health needs with innovation incentives.."The free trade pact does not alter this balance and in fact, it reaffirms India's policy autonomy," the government official said adding the pact's provision on disclosure of commercial working of patents is fully consistent with India's existing legal regime and the evolving needs of a modern innovation official added that the India-UK trade agreement marks a new era of cooperation that supports both affordable access to medicines and high standards of innovation and IP protection.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market to Hit USD 15.69 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 19.21%
Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market Growth is Driven by Advancements in Precision Medicine, Immunotherapy and Growing Global Incidence. Pune, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market Size & Growth Analysis: 'According to SNS Insider, The global Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market size was valued at USD 3.12 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 15.69 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 19.21% during the forecast period 2024-2032.' The liver cancer therapeutics market is set to grow at a phenomenal pace due to the growing incidence rate of Liver Cancer worldwide along with targeted therapy and immunotherapy being the mainstays in its treatment along with flourishing medical initiatives to provide the best of treatment available to patients on a global scale. The surge in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), linked to factors such as hepatitis infections, alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is accelerating the demand for effective a Sample Report of Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market@ Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are: Bayer AG (Nexavar (sorafenib), Stivarga (regorafenib)) Eisai Co., Ltd. (Lenvima (lenvatinib), Halaven (eribulin)) Roche Holding AG (Tecentriq (atezolizumab), Avastin (bevacizumab)) Merck & Co., Inc. (Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Lenvima (lenvatinib)) AstraZeneca (Imfinzi (durvalumab), Tremelimumab) Bristol-Myers Squibb (Opdivo (nivolumab), Yervoy (ipilimumab)) Pfizer Inc. (Inlyta (axitinib), Sutent (sunitinib)) Exelixis, Inc. (Cabometyx (cabozantinib), Cometriq (cabozantinib)) Eli Lilly and Company (Cyramza (ramucirumab), Verzenio (abemaciclib)) Novartis AG (Afinitor (everolimus), Zykadia (ceritinib)) Sanofi (Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept), Thymoglobulin) Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Hepcludex (bulevirtide), GS-5745) BeiGene, Ltd. (Tislelizumab, Pamiparib) Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Libtayo (cemiplimab), REGN4659) Amgen Inc. (Blincyto (blinatumomab), AMG 510 (sotorasib)) F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Erivedge (vismodegib), Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine)) Ipsen (Onivyde (irinotecan liposome injection), Somatuline Depot (lanreotide) Hutchmed (Surufatinib, Fruquintinib) Can-Fite BioPharma (Namodenoson (CF102), CF602) Zymeworks Inc. (ZW25 (zanidatamab), ZW49) Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2023 US$ 3.12 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 15.69 billion CAGR CAGR of 7.86% From 2024 to 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2032 Historical Data 2020-2022 Key Regional Coverage North America (US, Canada, Mexico), Europe (Eastern Europe [Poland, Romania, Hungary, Turkey, Rest of Eastern Europe] Western Europe] Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Rest of Western Europe]), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, Rest of Asia Pacific), Middle East & Africa (Middle East [UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Rest of Middle East]), Africa [Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of Africa], Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia Rest of Latin America) Key Growth Drivers The liver cancer therapeutics landscape is undergoing a transformative shift with advancements in immunotherapies and combination regimens. The growing number of regulatory approvals and the launch of innovative therapies are propelling the liver cancer therapeutics market forward. Segmentation Analysis By Therapy In 2023, targeted therapy emerged as the leading segment, accounting for 56% of the market share. The dominance is attributed to the growing adoption of personalized medicine as well as the increase in cases of liver cancer. Targeted therapies work on particular molecular targets related to cancer, providing a more precise treatment with potentially less adverse effects than traditional chemotherapy. The targeted therapies are not only effective towards cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis but also have favourable effects at the physician's behest. In addition, ongoing research and development of new targeted agents are anticipated to expand this segment. By Drug Type The Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) segment accounted for the largest market share of 38% in 2023. The increasing global incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, has increased the need for effective therapies. Moreover, the improvement of diagnostic methodologies has led to the intimacy and performance of HCC diagnosis. In addition, the increasing number of new drugs developed for specific pathways that have been reported to be responsible for HCC progression is further propelling the growth of this segment. The introduction of combination therapies, integrating targeted agents with immunotherapies, is anticipated to further enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes in HCC management. By Distribution Channel In 2023, hospital pharmacies held a significant market share. The rise in patients suffering from the liver caused an increase in demand for hospital pharmacies specialized liver cancer medications. Hospitals also operate as core diagnosis and treatment units for cancer in many locations and offer ready access to an in-depth catalog of therapeutic models including newly authorized products. Increased importance on bringing to market innovative models of treatments along with receipt of regulatory clearance further strengthened hospital pharmacy importance for providing therapeutics against liver cancer. For example, in October 2022, Innovent Biologics, Inc. announced that Innovent obtained the NMPA's approval for the sNDA of CYRAMZA® (ramucirumab) to treat patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Need any customization research on Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market, Enquire Now@ Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market Segments By Therapy Targeted Therapy Immunotherapy Chemotherapy By Type Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cholangio Carcinoma Hepatoblastoma Others By Distribution Chanel Hospital Pharmacy Retail Pharmacy Online Pharmacy Regional Analysis North America accounted for 43% of market share in 2023. The region's well-established healthcare infrastructure, coupled with a high prevalence of liver cancer, has driven the demand for advanced therapeutic options. The introduction of novel therapeutics in the region has been possible due to the presence of key market players and R&D activities. For instance, in April 2023, the phase III IMbrave050 clinical trial demonstrated that the use of atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and bevacizumab (Avastin) as adjuvant therapy improved recurrence-free survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after surgical resection or ablation. Asia-Pacific region is estimated to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. Hepatitis and lifestyle factors are driving increasing cases of liver cancer in countries like China, India and Japan. Investments in healthcare infrastructure and government initiatives for healthcare awareness are driving the market growth in this region. Moreover, the increasing efforts to developed novel therapeutics and acquire regulatory approvals are expected to accelerate the market progress. For example, in January 2022, Merck obtained conditional approval for its drug Keytruda as a treatment for liver cancer, supported by positive outcomes from its second confirmatory study. Recent Developments August 2024: Bristol Myers Squibb announced FDA acceptance of a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Opdivo (nivolumab) in combination with Yervoy (ipilimumab) as a first-line treatment for unresectable HCC. April 2023: Roche reported positive Phase III IMbrave050 trial results for Tecentriq (atezolizumab) combined with Avastin (bevacizumab), showing significant improvement in recurrence-free survival for HCC a Single-User PDF of Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market Analysis & Outlook Report 2024-2032@ Table of Contents – Major Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting 5.1 Incidence and Prevalence of Liver Cancer (2023) 5.2 Drug Volume by Region (2020-2032) 5.3 Healthcare Spending by Region (2023) 5.4 Patient Outcomes and Survival Rates (2023) 5.5 Regional Analysis of Treatment Accessibility and Adoption (2023) 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market by Therapy 8. Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market by Type 9. Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market by Distribution Chanel 10. Regional Analysis 11. Company Profiles 12. Use Cases and Best Practices 13. Conclusion Access Complete Report Details of Liver Cancer Therapeutics Market Analysis & Outlook 2024-2032@ About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the Contact Us: Jagney Dave - Vice President of Client Engagement Phone: +1-315 636 4242 (US) | +44- 20 3290 5010 (UK)Sign in to access your portfolio
