Indian Patent Office rejects AbbVie patent bid for cancer drug Venetoclax; generics may enter market

The Indian Patent Office has rejected a patent application filed by multinational drugmaker AbbVie for its cancer drug Venetoclax, a move expected to ease the entry of lower-cost generic versions in India.

The decision could provide relief to patients as Venetoclax is a key treatment used in blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

AbbVie sells Venetoclax in India under the brand name Venclexta.

Patent office cites lack of inventive step

According to reports published on Friday (January 23, 2026), the Indian Patent Office denied AbbVie’s application citing a lack of inventive step, meaning the claimed invention did not meet the threshold of innovation required under Indian patent standards.

The application faced opposition during the pre-grant process, where third parties can challenge pharmaceutical patents before they are granted.

What this means for the market

The rejection removes a key legal hurdle that can block generic competition. Industry watchers expect Indian drugmakers to track next steps closely, including any appeals or parallel patent challenges.

AbbVie continues to have another patent linked to Venetoclax, which remains under challenge, according to the report.

Why this matters

India is one of the world’s biggest markets for affordable medicines, and patent decisions often determine how quickly high-cost cancer therapies become accessible to a broader patient base.

If generics are allowed to enter in the coming months or years, treatment costs for Venetoclax-based therapy could fall significantly, improving access for patients.

Summary

• Indian Patent Office rejected AbbVie’s patent application for Venetoclax, a cancer drug marketed as Venclexta in India.
• The application was rejected for lack of inventive step.
• The decision could open the door for generic versions and lower treatment costs. 
• AbbVie has another related patent that remains under challenge, the report said.

FAQs

Q1: Why was AbbVie’s Venetoclax patent rejected in India?

The Indian Patent Office rejected the application citing a lack of inventive step, meaning the application did not meet the required innovation standard.

Q2: What is Venetoclax used for?

Venetoclax is used in blood cancers including CLL and AML, and is sold in India as Venclexta.

Q3: Does this mean generics will launch immediately?

Not necessarily. Generic entry depends on remaining patent barriers, regulatory approvals, and whether AbbVie challenges the ruling.

Q4: Can AbbVie appeal the decision?

Yes. Companies can challenge patent office decisions through legal channels such as the High Courts.

Q5: Why are Indian patent rulings important globally?

India’s strict patent standards often affect the timeline for affordable generics, impacting patient access in India and sometimes in other emerging markets.