title: [The Glivec® case: the first example of a global debate on the drug patent system].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the sequence of events involving the Glivec® case in India and to analyze the opinions generated in distinct settings.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a systematic search for articles concerning the imatinib (Glivec®) patent in India. We selected those sources that described the events, decisions of the authorities involved, and press and scientific opinions. Dates and arguments presented by the involved parties were clearly identified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 886 documents initially obtained, we selected 40 documents published between 2003 and 2013. Most of them were press news and commentaries. The process lasted 7 years, starting in 2006 when the Indian Patent Office rejected the patent application filed by Novartis. It ended in 2013 when the Indian Supreme Court upheld this decision. It was argued that the Indian Patent Law would facilitate access to medicines in the Third World and the final decision has received support by the general population. Although the court's final decision has been supported by several institutions, an objective analysis should also take into account the arguments of the pharmaceutical companies and other entities.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Glivec® case gave rise to an intense debate on the appropriateness of international standards on patents, their applicability and how they should be adopted in each country. This case, as well as other cases, should serve to stimulate reflection on the international patent system and to achieve scenarios in which the health of the poorest populations is protected but also balanced against intellectual property protection and innovation.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Farmacología, Terapéutica y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Inês
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Moital
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, España; Fundación Dr. Antonio Esteve, Barcelona, España. Electronic address: fbosch@esteve.org.
authors.forename: Fèlix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bosch
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Farmacología, Terapéutica y Toxicología, Facultad de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Magí
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farré
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Mariano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maddaleno
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Ciencias Experimentales y de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud y de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Josep-E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Baños
mesh_terms: D003906:Developing Countries; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate / Q000600:supply & distribution; D007194:India; D000069516:International Law; D010330:Patents as Topic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011634:Public Health
chemical_list: D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate
keywords: Descubrimiento de fármacos; Developing countries; Diffusion of innovation; Difusión de la innovación; Drug discovery; Generic drugs; Genéricos; India; Industria farmacéutica; Intellectual property; Países del Tercer Mundo; Pharmaceutical industry; Propiedad intelectual