Shilpa Medicare files patent infringement suit against Novartis over Fingolimod

Fingolimod is a type of immunomodulator that is commonly used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod is a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulator that sequesters lymphocytes in lymph nodes, preventing them from triggering an autoimmune response.

The patent infringement lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and it sought relief for the infringement of US Patent No. 9,266,816 entitled "Fingolimod Polymorph and Their Processes."

Shilpa manufactures and distributes low-cost Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), generics, and novel formulations in a wide range of global markets. It said in a regulatory filing to exchanges that it reinvests a significant proportion of its revenue in R&D each year.

In a statement, the firm said, "Shilpa invests heavily in R&D, which resulted in more than 466 patent applications worldwide including 70 patent applications of which 30 patents has been granted in the United States alone."

As per the Business Standard report company stated that it has put in tremendous effort to establish its own intellectual property (IP) relating to the drug Fingolimod and that it is now working to implement the IP in the United States.

Also Read: Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Gets USFDA Nod For Fingolimod Capsules