Novo Nordisk announces ITC investigation of Sanofi Aventis

Novo Nordisk has announced that the US’ International Trade Commission (ITC) is investigating Sanofi-Aventis over its OptiClik insulin delivery system, which Novo Nordisk says infringes on its US patents.

FlexPen is Novo Nordisk’s insulin delivery system, but the Danish-based insulin analogues manufacturer says that Sanofi-Aventis’ insulin OptiClik delivery devices “unfairly harm” its place in the US market.

Novo Nordisk is seeking the end of OptiClik sales in the US.

The company’s president, Martin Soeters, commented: “Novo Nordisk is pleased that the ITC agrees with Novo Nordisk that our competitor’s actions warrant an investigation of patent infringement.

“Our company is an innovator and leader in insulin delivery technology, changing diabetes by providing people with access to the best diabetes care and advanced insulin delivery devices.”

“As a pioneer in diabetes treatment for 80 years, we have amassed a large patent portfolio that we are committed to defending,” he added.

Last week, Mr Soeters told Reuters that he was not worried by the imminent introduction of generic insulins on the market because he believed his company’s new insulin analogues to be considerably superior, saying that doctors and patients “would not go back”.

Novo Nordisk employs over 22,000 people, including 266 staff at its UK base in Crawley, West Sussex.

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