Amgen sues Indian drug makers over Sensipar

Amgen has filed complaints against Indian pharmaceutical companies Dr Reddy’s and Ajanta Pharma for allegedly infringing a patent centring on its drug Sensipar (cinacalcet hydrochloride).

Sensipar is used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.

The disputes arose after both Dr Reddy’s and Ajanta filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs) with the US Food and Drug Administration seeking approval to sell and manufacture a generic version of the drug.

The cases, involving US patent number 9,375,405, which was issued in June, were both filed in the US District Court for the District of Delaware.

Amgen received letters from both companies on August 29 notifying it that the companies had filed ANDAs.

In the cases, Amgen has asked the court to prevent Dr Reddy’s and Ajanta from bringing a generic version of Sensipar to market, as well as award it expenses for any damages.