8 October 2013Americas

Andrulis sues Celgene over cancer patent

Andrulis Pharmaceuticals Corp has accused Celgene Corp of infringing and inducing the infringement of one of its patents related to a method of treating cancer.

In 2000, Andrulis received US patent 6,140,346, which covers the treatment of cancer with thalidomide alone or in combination with an alkylating agent.

Andrulis claims that Celgene has induced infringement of its patent by offering for sale Celgene’s cancer drugs Thalomid and Revlimid for use in combination with an alkylating agent (Alkeran) to treat cancers like multiple myeloma.

According to the complaint filed at the US District Court for the District of Delaware on October 2, Celgene knew about the patent at least as early as 2005 and cited it during prosecution of 22 of its own patents to the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Andrulis also claims that Celgene, via “medical liaisons or representatives”, encouraged doctors to prescribe Alkeran, Thalomid and Revlimid in the treatment of cancer, adding that those doctors who prescribed the drugs have also infringed Andrulis’ patent.

The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of the three drugs together to treat any patients with multiple myeloma.

Andrulis seeks declaration of infringement and damages.

Celgene did not respond to a request for comment.


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11 February 2021   Celgene has filed a lawsuit against Indian drugs manufacturer Dr Reddy’s Laboratories to halt its plan to produce and market generic versions of Pomalyst—Celgene’s multiple myeloma treatment.

More on this story

Big Pharma
11 February 2021   Celgene has filed a lawsuit against Indian drugs manufacturer Dr Reddy’s Laboratories to halt its plan to produce and market generic versions of Pomalyst—Celgene’s multiple myeloma treatment.