[author: Sherri Oslick]
About Court Report: Each week we will report briefly on recently filed biotech and pharma cases.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. v. Watson Laboratories, Inc.
3:12-cv-05228; filed August 20, 2012 in the District Court of New Jersey
Infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,571,817 ("Methods of Treating Androgenic Alopecia with Finasteride [17β-N-mono-substituted-carbamoyl-4-aza-5-α-androst-1-en-ones]," issued November 5, 1996), 5,547,957 ("Method of Treating Androgenic Alopecia with 5-α Reductase Inhibitors," issued August 20, 1996), and 5,886,184 ("Finasteride Processes," issued March 23, 1999) following a Paragraph IV certification as part of Watson's filing of an ANDA to manufacture a generic version of Merck's Propecia® (finasteride, used to treat androgenic alopecia). View the complaint here. [NB: Merck voluntarily dismissed the case without prejudice 3 days after filing.]
Santarus, Inc. et al. v. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc. et al.
3:12-cv-05202; filed August 15, 2012 in the District Court of New Jersey
• Plaintiffs: Santarus, Inc.; The Curators of The University of Missouri
• Defendants: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc.; Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, Ltd.
Infringement of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,699,885 ("Substituted Benzimidazole Dosage Forms and Methods of Using Same," issued March 2, 2004), 6,489,346 (same title, issued December 3, 2002), 6,645,988 (same title, issue November 11, 2003), and 7,399,772 (same title, issued July 15, 2008) following a Paragraph IV certification as part of Dr. Reddy's filing of an ANDA to manufacture a generic version of Santarus' Zegerid® (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, used to treat heartburn and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease). View the complaint here.
