Atorvastatin (lipitor): Victory for Pfizer in Denmark

Pfizer Inc Announced in a press release that the Eastern Division of the High Court in Copenhagen, Denmark has ruled in the company’s favor in challenges to two of its patents covering atorvastatin, the active ingredient in Lipitor. The basic (DK171,588) and enantiomer (EP 409,281) patents were challenged by generics manufacturer Ranbaxy.
The court ruled that the basic patent, which expires in November 2011, would be infringed by Ranbaxy’s generic atorvastatin product. The court also ruled that the atovastatin enantiomer patent is valid. That patent expires in July 2010. The decision, which is subject to possible appeal, prevents Ranbaxy from launching its generic product before November 2011.
“Today’s decision is an important outcome for Pfizer and other medical innovators who invest in high-risk research to develop life-saving medicines for millions of patients,” said Pfizer Denmark Country Manager Karin Verland.

Galantamine Tablets: Alphapharm (Mylan) also got 180 days shared exclusivity

Mylan announced that its subsidiary Alphapharm won a favorable decision in patent litigation against it and Barr Laboratories Inc. relating to Galantamine Tablets, USP, the generic version of Ortho-McNeil's Razadyne® Tablets, 4 mg, 8 mg and 12 mg.
On August 27, the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware invalidated the sole "Orange Book" Patent US4663318, asserted against Alphapharm by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen LP and Synaptech Inc. Alphapharm was first to file an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA), along with other generics companies, for Galantamine Tablets.
"We are very pleased with the court's ruling on this first-to-file patent challenge, which once again continues to underscore our ability to effectively pursue and monetize Paragraph IV opportunities," said Mylan Vice Chairman and CEO Robert J. Coury. "This is yet another example of our continued and successful commitment to provide affordable medications to the patients who need them the most."
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday approved Alphapharm's ANDA. Mylan Pharmaceuticals, another Mylan subsidiary, intends to immediately launch the product on behalf of Alphapharm. Alphapharm and other applicable ANDA holders will be awarded 180 days of shared marketing exclusivity.
Razadyne Tablets, indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease, had annual U.S. sales of approximately $102 million for the 12 months ending June 30, 2008, for the same strengths. Currently, Mylan has 93 ANDAs pending FDA approval, 22 of which are potential first-to-file opportunities.
SOURCE: Mylan Inc.