A decision issued today in an Indian court will have long-term negative consequences for research and development into better medicines for patients in India and abroad…Novartis brought this case forward because it firmly believes this was the right thing to do for patients. Effective patent systems ensure incentives are in place that stimulate long-term research and development efforts critical for medical progress…Still at issue is why a patent for Glivec - granted in nearly 40 countries, including Russia, Taiwan and China - was denied in India in 2006...Improving access to medicine is an integral component of the Novartis business strategy and global social responsibility commitment.