Astrazeneca ready to block Quetiapine generic

AstraZeneca has sought leave to file for summary judgment in a U.S. patent dispute with Teva Pharma as it tries to stem the threat of generic competition to antipsychotic drug Seroquel.
Quetiapine marketed by AstraZeneca with the brand name Seroquel, belongs to a series of neuroleptics known as "atypical antipsychotics", which have, over the last two decades, become increasingly popular alternatives to "typical antipsychotics", such as haloperidol.
Quetiapine is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia as well as for the treatment of acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, as either monotherapy or adjunct therapy to lithium or divalproex. Quetiapine received its initial indication from the FDA for treatment of schizophrenia in 1997. In 2004, it received its second indication for the treatment of mania-associated bipolar disorder
Teva is challenging patents protecting Seroquel and may offer a less-expensive generic copy of the medicine in the U.S. as early as the end of March, once a 30-month stay on approval is lifted.