Neurocrine resolves dispute over Huntington's treatment

Neuroscience-focused biopharma ends litigation with four companies | Companies can introduce generic alternatives in the future.

Neurocrine Biosciences has resolved its patent litigation against companies seeking approval to make and sell generic versions of  Ingrezza (valbenazine).

The biopharmaceutical company develops treatments for patients with under-addressed neurological disorders. Its portfolio includes treatments for tardive dyskinesia, chorea associated with Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, endometriosis and uterine fibroids.

Ingrezza is used to treat adults with movements in the face, tongue, or other body parts that cannot be controlled, as well as the involuntary movements caused by Huntington’s disease.

Under the settlement, four companies, including  Lupin Pharmaceuticals and  Zydus Pharmaceuticals, now have the right to introduce generic versions of Ingrezza to the US market, with sales set to commence on March 1, 2038, or earlier under certain circumstances.

Neurocrine launched several lawsuits against the generic drug makers after they filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications with the  US Food and Drug Administration to make copies of Ingrezza before the expiration of Neurocrine’s patents.

Darin Lippoldt, chief legal officer of Neurocrine Biosciences, said: “These settlements reinforce our belief in the strength of the Ingrezza IP estate and provide clarity regarding Ingrezza exclusivity.

“We will continue to develop treatments for under-addressed diseases and rely on a robust patent system to protect that investment in innovation,” Lippoldt added.

Did you enjoy reading this story?  Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories sent like this straight to your inbox