For the first time ever Natco Pharma has won a compulsory license claim to produce sorafenib tosylate – an anti-cancer drug. According to the terms of the ruling Natco will be able to manufacture until 2020, the rest of the patent term but is limited to domestic sale. 

Natco’s generic price proposal will was for 3% of what Bayer is charging at Rs. 8,800 per patient per month. Under the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement, CLs are a legally recognized means to overcome barriers in accessing affordable medicines.