Japanese drugmaker Otsuka Pharma has filed a patent infringement suit against Teva Pharma over the anti-psychotic drug Abilify. The patent in dispute is US5006528 (Expiry: Apr 20, 2015) which covers carbostyril derivatives like Aripiprazole as product.
Aripiprazole (sold as Abilify) was approved by the USFDA on November 15, 2002 for the treatment of schizophrenia. Recently it received USFDA approval for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, as well as treatment of depression. Aripiprazole was developed by Otsuka in Japan; in the U.S., Otsuka America markets the drug jointly with Bristol-Myers Squibb.
The other generic companies in litigation with innovator are Sandoz, Barr, Apotex, Synthon and Sun Pharma.
Friday 4 April, 2008
Teva Sued For Seeking Approval For Aripiprazole
