Indian Supreme Court stops Glenmark from making generic Januvia

The Supreme Court of India has ordered Glenmark Pharmaceuticals to stop making generic versions of Merck Sharp & Dohme’s diabetes drugs Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride).

According to the order, an interim injunction handed down on May 15, Glenmark may keep selling existing stock of the generic drugs, known as Zita and Zita-met, until it runs out in five to six months.

But the court said that Glenmark must stop manufacturing the generics until the case’s next hearing, which is set for July 6.

Court masters Madhu Bala and Asha Soni wrote in the order that for the time being, the court’s main concern is “[balancing] the equities between the parties while maintaining public interest”.

Merck sued Glenmark in 2013 for allegedly infringing a patent covering Januvia and Janumet by marketing its generic version.

Shortly after filing the patent infringement case, Merck licensed Indian drug maker Sun Pharmaceutical Industries to make and sell generic copies of Januvia and Janumet.

According to Reuters, Merck sells Januvia and Janumet for about 1,300 rupees ($20) and 1,900 rupees ($30) respectively for a month’s supply.

Glenmark sells its versions of the drugs, known as as Zita and Zita-met, for nearly 30% less than Merck.

Neither Merck nor Glenmark responded to LSIPR’s requests for comment.