Gilead Reports Patent Challenge on Tamiflu
From Associated Press (February 7, 2011)
FOSTER CITY, Calif. -- Gilead Sciences Inc. said Monday that Natco
Pharma Ltd. is challenging a patent on the flu drug Tamiflu.
Tamiflu was developed by Gilead, which receives royalties on the drug's sale from Roche Holding AG.
Gilead said Natco is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval to sell a generic version of Tamiflu and alleges that Gilead's patent on the drug is invalid.
Gilead said it is reviewing the notice it received from the FDA
and has 45 days to file a lawsuit against Natco. If it does sue
Natco, that would bar the FDA from allowing Natco to make the
Tamiflu generic for two and half years or until the case is decided
in Natco's favor, Gilead said.
Posted: February 2011
