Natco enters into licensing agreement with Eli Lilly for manufacturing Barcitinib

Natco Pharma has signed an agreement with Eli Lilly and Company for the purpose and commercialization and manufacturing of the drug Barcitinib for Covid-19 in India.

Earlier, Natco has received emergency use authorization for Baricitinib tablets Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (COSCO), for use in combination with Remdesivir. The authorization was for the treatment of suspected and laboratory-confirmed covid-19 in adults who are requiring supplemental oxygen.

Natco previously has filed for the compulsory licensing against Eli Lilly for Barcitinib for Covid-19 in India. The application was filed under Section 92 of the Patents Act for the drug Baricitinib, approaching the Controller of Patents. The drug Baricitinib has been approved in the EU and India in 2017 and 2018 as per the application and is used for the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The drug Baricitinib is owned by Incyte Holdings Corporation and has provided a license to Eli Lilly, who markets it under the name of Olumiant. Natco has previously received a Compulsory License for Bayer's Nexavar, going through the Section 84 route.

Natco states that the drug Olumiant is not manufactured in India with hardly 9000 drugs imported in 2019 and 2020. With more than 30 lakh patients, the supply would not meet the demand. Moreover, Natco also relied upon the recent judgment of the Delhi High Court where the court emphasized the consideration for CLs for Baricitinib.

Nevertheless, on getting into the licensing terms, Natco has withdrawn its application filed with the Indian Patent Office seeking compulsory licensing.