A legal challenge to a patent application in India on a crucial AIDS drug was filed this week in Delhi by two patients' rights groups, who claim that thousands of lives could be put at risk if the patent is approved. If the drug, tenofovir [and its maker, Gilead Sciences, are] granted a patent, the manufacture of cheaper versions in India will become illegal, making the drug too expensive for patients in developing countries... Eric Goermaere, of Médecins Sans Frontières in South Africa, said in a written statement: "We have all been waiting impatiently to get tenofovir as a generic from India... If Gilead is granted the patent, our patients will face a potentially deadly delay."... Supporters of the legislation counter that patents ensures that pharmaceutical companies have the security to invest in further research allowing them to develop vital drugs. [also refers to Novartis, Cipla]