India recognizes patents just like anywhere else. What they don't recognize is when drug makers trivially re-formulate their drug upon patent expiration in such a way that the old medicine cannot be made generically without also infringing on the new patent. India called BS on that, and rightfully so. Now millions of people in India don't have to die because even though a drug company made several multiples on their investment already, billions in exclusive profits per year still isn't enough.
Edited to add: This is informally called "Evergreening". I'm not an expert in that field but you can read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreening and linked sources.
In this case, they wanted to charge Indians $2600/month, and the generic is $175/month. If you have this condition and do not take this drug, you die.
India recognizes patents just like anywhere else. What they don't recognize is when drug makers trivially re-formulate their drug upon patent expiration in such a way that the old medicine cannot be made generically without also infringing on the new patent. India called BS on that, and rightfully so. Now millions of people in India don't have to die because even though a drug company made several multiples on their investment already, billions in exclusive profits per year still isn't enough.
Edited to add: This is informally called "Evergreening". I'm not an expert in that field but you can read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evergreening and linked sources.
In this case, they wanted to charge Indians $2600/month, and the generic is $175/month. If you have this condition and do not take this drug, you die.