Sanofi Aventis Lovenox appeal fails

Sanofi-Aventis (SA) says it is considering its next move following a failed appeal against Amphastar and Teva for patent infringement of its antithrombotic agent Lovenox.

The court of appeals upheld the earlier decision made by the district court of California, made in February.

SA says that as a result of this ruling the patent it holds on Lovenox is “deemed to be unenforceable” and it is considering “all legal options”.

It added that several manufacturers have “requested marketing approval from the FDA for their products alleged to be generic versions of Lovenox, SA has not learned of any approval.”

Lovenox (enoxaparin sodium injection) is a unique chemical antithrombotic agent and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).

It has been available in Europe since 1987 and in the US and Canada since 1993.

SA claims Lovenox has treated more than 100 million patients across the world and is the best selling LMWH in the world.