Novartis Loses Bid To Block Generic Version Of Blockbuster Heart Drug Entresto
Novartis Loses Bid To Block Generic Version Of Blockbuster Heart Drug Entresto
Introduction
A Delaware federal judge has ruled that Novartis cannot block drugmaker MSN Pharmaceuticals from launching a generic version of its blockbuster heart-failure drug Entresto before its patent expires late next year.
Factual Background
Novartis' Entresto is a best-selling drug that earned more than $7.8 billion in global revenue last year. MSN Pharmaceuticals had sought to launch a generic version of the drug, which Novartis argued would infringe one of its patents.
Procedural Background
Novartis had filed a lawsuit against MSN Pharmaceuticals, seeking to block the launch of the generic version of Entresto. The company argued that MSN's generic would infringe one of its patents, which expires in November 2026.
Issues
1. Patent Infringement: Whether MSN's generic version of Entresto would infringe Novartis' patent.
2. Preliminary Injunction: Whether Novartis is entitled to a preliminary injunction blocking MSN from launching the generic version of Entresto.
Contentions of Parties
Novartis' Contentions: Novartis argued that MSN's generic version of Entresto would infringe one of its patents and sought to block the launch of the generic until after the patent expires.
MSN's Contentions: MSN Pharmaceuticals did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the court's ruling suggests that MSN's arguments against the patent infringement claim were successful.
Reasoning & Analysis
The court rejected Novartis' argument that MSN's generic version of Entresto would infringe one of its patents. The ruling allows MSN to launch the generic version of the drug before the patent expires in November 2026.
Final Outcome
The court denied Novartis' request for a preliminary injunction, allowing MSN Pharmaceuticals to launch the generic version of Entresto before the patent expires. Novartis has stated that it plans to appeal the decision.
Implications
The ruling could significantly impact the market for Entresto, with MSN's generic version potentially cutting into Novartis' sales. The decision also highlights the ongoing patent battles between pharmaceutical companies and generic manufacturers.
