Proctor and Gamble wins patent infringement case

Proctor & Gamble (P&G) has had its rights to exclusively market an osteoporosis therapy protected following the conclusion of a patent infringement lawsuit.

The company announced that it previously filed the case against Teva Pharmaceuticals to enforce its composition of matter patent for risedronate. This is the active ingredient in Actonel (risedronate sodium tablets).

P&G began the case after Teva sought to market Actonel as a generic version in the US. It asserted that the patent was “not valid due to the obviousness of the invention”, according to P&G.

However, the court ruled in favour of P&G and the group’s president of global health care, Tom Finn, commented on the decision.

“We are pleased that the court recognised and acknowledged the uniqueness of the risedronate molecule.

“We are very proud of the extensive R&D efforts which brought Actonel to market, providing patients help that they need to manage their osteoporosis and prevent fractures.”

Osteoporosis is classed as a bone disease that reduces mineral density and increases the risk of fracture.