Clare Cunliffe

Veterinary pharmaceutical companies Norbrook Laboratories and Merial have launched twin appeals of two IP Australia decisions allowing Bayer to amend a proposed patent for a treatment for mammary gland infections.

A proposed Novartis patent for an oral form of its top-selling multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya is invalid for lack of inventive step, IP Australia has found, but gave the pharmaceutical giant a chance to amend.