Chugai abandons patent claim against Nippon Kayaku

Japan-based Chugai Pharmaceuticals has announced it has withdrawn its patent infringement claim against generic anti-cancer business Nippon Kayaku.

The complaint was filed in August 2017 at the Tokyo District Court.

Chugai sought an injunction against Nippon’s sale and distribution of anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody Herceptin Injection 60 and 150.

Herceptin is used in the treatment of breast and gastric cancer using anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab. The cancer treatment therapy was created by Genentech which, alongside Chugai, is a member of the Roche group.

Chugai said it abandoned the claim after the defendant received marketing approval in Japan to treat advanced or recurrent gastric cancer.

In a statement, Chugai said: “As a company that aims to provide innovative drugs, we regard IP rights that protect products and technologies resulting from research and development as very important assets. Chugai will deal rigorously with any acts that infringe them, including taking legal actions.”

Chugai entered into a strategic agreement with Roche in October 2002. The agreement saw Roche acquire the majority of Chugai’s stock. In return, Chugai expanded its product portfolio and development pipeline as a result of in-licensing from Roche.

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

Join us at LSPN North America on April 26,  find out more here.