Orion files case against Wockhardt over Stalevo patent

Orion has said it is to sue Wockhardt over an infringement of its Stalevo patent.

The lawsuit surrounds the company’s patents in the US – 5,135,950, 5,446,194 and 6,500,867 – following the attempt by Wockhardt to market generic versions of its product.

Orion noted the defending organisation’s marketing of the drug would be in the US, specifically 25/200/100 mg, 37.5/200/150 mg and 50/200/200 mg strengths of carbidopa/entacapone/levodopa.

Currently marketed by Novartis, the product is used as a therapy for Parkinson’s disease and is described as an enhanced levodopa treatment.

In a press release, the company said: “The realisation of generic competition is neither certain nor imminent.

“Orion Corporation and Novartis will vigorously defend the intellectual property rights covering Stalevo.”

In November, the company sued Sun Pharma, over the infringement of its US patent number 5,446,194, which covered Comtan.

Also marketed by Novartis, the product is similarly a treatment for Parkinson’s disease sufferers.