Pfizer reports upholding of patent by federal court

Pfizer has announced that a federal court in the Western District of Pennsylvania has upheld its patent for the active ingredient in prescription pharmaceutical for hypertension Norvasc (amlodipine besylate).

This patent had been challenged in court by Mylan, a manufacturer of generic medicines. It was ruled by Judge Terrence F McVerry that the patent covering the active compound is both valid and enforceable, with Mylan’s planned product infringing on this patent.

Following this decision, Mylan will be prohibited from launching its generic form of amlodipine until September of this year. This judgement is subject to an appeal.

Pfizer reports that this decision is the latest of a number backing its patent for amlodipine besylate in the US.

Allen Waxman, general counsel at Pfizer, said: “The court decision is another important victory for medical innovators who invest in high-risk research to develop life-saving medicines.”

He added that the verdict was also of benefit to patients who benefit from the pharmaceuticals developed by such companies.

Last week, Pfizer reported that a Danish court had issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the sale of generic forms of Lipitor by generics manufacturer Ranbaxy. The injunction, against pharmaceutical wholesaler Nomeco, calls for the withdrawal of atorvastin products from Ranbaxy ahead of an as yet unscheduled patent infringement meeting.