According to Perrigo, Alcon Labs has filed a patent infringement suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas after Perrigo filed an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for a generic version of Alcon’s Patanase olopatadine hydrochloride nasal spray.
The FDA approved Alcon’s NDA for Patanase for the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis in 2008. The first patent for Patanase, which was held by Japanese specialty pharma company Kyowa Hakko Kirin, expired in June 2011; however, Alcon received a new patent issued in July 2011 and filed suit the next month after Apotex filed an ANDA for a generic olopatadine nasal spray.
Perrigo Chairman and CEO Joseph C. Papa stated, “This filing is another example of our investment in new products and expansion of our product portfolio. As always, Perrigo is committed to making quality healthcare more affordable for our
customers.”
Larry Hsu, President and CEO of Perrigo’s development partner Impax added, “We are excited to collaborate with Perrigo on this product as we continue to execute our strategy of diversifying our product base.”
Read the Perrigo press release.
