Novartis to launch generic version of Lotrel

Novartis has announced that it is to launch an “authorised” generic form of its high blood pressure pharmaceutical Lotrel through its generics division Sandoz.

This decision follows a court verdict rejecting a request from the company to prevent Teva Pharmaceuticals from shipping its generic version of Lotrel in the US.

Lotrel is an orally-administered medication that combines benazepril hydrochloride – an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor – and amlodipine besylate – a calcium channel blocker.

Novartis claims that it will continue to defend the intellectual property rights relating to Lotrel, noting that the US patents over the drug remain valid until 2017, with a trial date yet to be set for litigation against Teva in a federal court in New Jersey.

“Teva, which began selling a generic version of Lotrel in the US in May 2007, risks potentially significant damages if Novartis prevails in patent litigation,” the company reports.

Novartis adds that it will continue to assess the impact of Teva’s continuing sales of its generic form of Lotrel on its net sales for the full year, noting that in 2006, Lotrel saw annual sales of approximately $1.35 billion (0.68 billion pounds).

The company had previously obtained an extended restraining order from the court prohibiting the shipping of generic forms of Lotrel until May 29th 2007.