Bristol-Myers Squibb faces charges over patent infringement

The University of Michigan and the firm Repligen have jointly filed a complaint against Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) for patent infringement.

The case centres on the patent entitled “Methods of Treating Autoimmune Disease via CTLA4-Ig”, which covers methods of using CTLA4-Ig to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

BMS had CTLA4-Ig, under the name Orencia, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) late last year.

Repligen president and CEO Walter Herlihy said: “We are pleased that the FDA has approved CTLA4-Ig, a novel therapy for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

“Our patent recognizes the important inventions made by our academic and government licensors. We intend to fully protect Repligen’s and their patent rights, by seeking a royalty bearing license agreement with BMS whether through litigation or negotiation.”

Repligen has exclusive rights to this patent from its owners, the University of Michigan and the United States Navy.

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