Setback to Novartis: US Court declares multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya patent invalid
Novartis also said it believes HEC and others cannot launch generic versions of Gilenya during the ongoing appeal process.;
New Delhi: A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday ruled that a patent related to Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG's blockbuster multiple sclerosis drug Gilenya was invalid, potentially paving the way for introduction of a cheaper generic version of the medicine.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which hears patent appeals, reversed its own earlier ruling in the case.
The finding by a divided panel revives Chinese drugmaker HEC Pharm Co's bid to make a generic version of the drug.
Novartis reported nearly $2.8 billion in Gilenya sales last year, making it the Swiss company's third-highest-selling drug.
The company said in a statement that it is considering "all available options" to defend the patent and plans to ask the full Federal Circuit to review the decision, which may take several months.
Novartis also said it believes HEC and others cannot launch generic versions of Gilenya during the ongoing appeal process.
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