India denies Pfizer application for additional Xeljanz patents

India's Patent Office has denied Pfizer ($PFE) additional patents on rheumatoid arthritis medicine Xeljanz by raising questions on whether the new application proved enhanced efficacy, the Economic Times reported. Pfizer told the newspaper that it would review the decision. "Pfizer's base patent for tofacitinib (Xeljanz) remains valid in India. … Pfizer remains committed to innovation and the long term viability of its research and development programs for the benefit of patients and healthcare practitioners in India and across the world," the company told the Economic Times in an email. Multinational firms repeatedly clash with India over intellectual property claims with particular concern the use of Section 3(d) of the Indian Patent Act (1970). Report