Generic Copy of Anti-clotting Drug Forced Off of Market in U.S.
4 Sep 2006
A U.S. federal court has required the pharmaceutical manufacturer Apotex, Inc. to stop selling its generic version of Plavix, a medication used to counter blood clotting. Apotex, which is based in Canada, previously challenged the validity of the patent on Plavix, held by Sanofi-Aventis SA and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
In August, Apotex reached a tentative agreement with the holders of the patent on Plavix, in which Apotex would have been paid a settlement resulting in the delay of marketing a generic version of the drug until 2011. That agreement, however, was rejected by a coalition of state attorneys general, and Apotex proceeded with marketing a generic version of Plavix. Now, Apotex's challenge to the actual validity of the patent has been rejected through a ruling by U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein.
Although Apotex will not be able to continue selling its generic copy of Plavix, copies already made available on the market will be allowed to remain there until they have been exhausted.
For previous coverage of this story, please visit http://sippi.aaas.org/ipissues/updates/?res_id=697.
Source: Neumeister, L. Judge stops distribution of Generic Plavix in U.S. The Washington Post. September 1, 2006. P. D03.
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