Pfizer sues Teva for Zyvox Patent, Eyeing Ratiopharm Acquisition

Pfizer Inc. has filed a civil suit against the generic drug manufacturer Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. for infringement of US patent for antibiotic drug Zyvox. The lawsuit was filed on January 15 in the US District Court, District of Delaware in response to Teva’s submission of an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) with the US Food and Drug Administration seeking approval to market a generic version of Zyvox before the expiration of OB listed patents. Zyvox is approved for the treatment of pneumonia and skin infections with global sales of about USD 1.1 billion and US sales of about USD 575 million (Pfizer Inc. et al. v. Teva Parenteral Medicines Inc. et al., US District Court, District of Delaware, Case No. 1:2010cv00037). Notably, both Pfizer and Teva are currently involved in aggressive bidding for acquisition of Germany’s second-leading generic manufacturer Ratiopharm.

Last month, Pfizer Inc. sued Hyderabad-based Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. for infringement of US Patent No. 5,969,156 (protecting crystalline form of atorvastatin calcium) for anti-cholesterol drug Lipitor. The lawsuit was filed on December 08 in the same district court following Dr. Reddy’s filing of an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA), seeking approval to market a generic version of Lipitor before the expiration of OB listed patents for Lipitor (Pfizer Inc. et al v. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. et al, US District Court, District of Delaware, Case No. 1:2009cv00943).