Mundipharma receives patent boost

Mundipharma International has revealed it has strengthened its European patents on OxyContin, an opioid analgesic and the company’s leading product.

Israeli generic drug manufacturer Teva had issued a challenge over the drug’s patents and entered an infringement case in the Netherlands District Court of the Hague.

However, after the two companies reached an agreement, Teva has agreed to withdraw its lawsuit after it recognised the validity of the OxyContin patents following a Mundipharma agreement with Purdue Pharma.

Ake Wikstrom, regional director of Europe for Mundipharma, remarked: “The patents being asserted in favour of OxyContin have been properly examined and rightly granted.”

“We will vigorously defend the rights they convey against anyone who attempts to infringe on those rights,” he added.

In September, Mundipharma agreed a deal with British company SkyePharma to distribute Flutiform, a fixed-dose combination therapy for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.

Frank Condella, chief executive of SkyePharma, said the collaboration represented a “significant step” in realising the company’s strategic plan.

Mundipharma said Flutiform represents the potential for an “excellent therapeutic option” and a “major opportunity” for helping the company to grow further.