Stem cell patent indicates support for regenerative medicine research
The USPTO has issued a patent to Israeli biotechnology company BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics, which covers stem cell technology that can be used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
EPO staff set to strike for seven days
Staff at the European Patent Office will hold seven days of strike action starting this week, it has been confirmed.
Horizon boosts portfolio with Vidara merger
Horizon Pharma is set to acquire Dublin-based Vidara Therapeutics in a merger worth about $660 million, the companies announced on March 19.
Cephalon sues to protect cancer drug Treanda
Teva-owned subsidiary Cephalon has sued Sun Pharma, claiming the Mumbai-based firm infringed a patent protecting its Treanda (bendamustine hydrochloride) product.
Pfizer sues to block Viagra generic
Pfizer has filed patent infringement suits against India-based Torrent Pharmaceuticals in an attempt to stop it selling a generic version of erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil citrate).
Eli Lilly targets more than 30 generics in Effient patent case
Eli Lilly has filed suit against more than 30 generic drug makers at the US District Court for the Southern District of Indiana for allegedly infringing three patents related to platelet inhibitor drug Effient (prasugrel).
Idenix brings Gilead patent battle to Europe
Massachusetts-based Idenix Pharmaceuticals has filed patent infringement cases against Gilead Sciences and its European subsidiaries in France, Germany and the UK.
“Patent cliff” blamed for contraction in Irish economy
A contraction of 0.3 percent in Ireland’s economy last year has been linked to the expiry of several key pharmaceutical patents.
Vaccine maker KAEL-GemVax appoints CPA Global as IP specialist
South Korean cancer vaccine maker KAEL-GemVax has appointed CPA Global as its IP management specialist.
Generics circle as Virginia court invalidates Celebrex patent
The US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has invalidated one of Pfizer’s patents covering blockbuster arthritis drug Celebrex.
