Hospira targeted in generic Aloxi patent infringement case

Cancer treatment company Helsinn and pharmaceutical company Roche have sued Hospira for allegedly infringing five patents covering intravenous anti-nausea drug Aloxi (palonosetron hydrochloride).

Aloxi is used to treat patients experiencing nausea during chemotherapy.

Helsinn and Roche co-own the five patents in suit, each titled “Liquid pharmaceutical formulations of palonosetron”.

The plaintiffs launched the case after Hospira filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval to market a generic version of Aloxi in 0.25mg/5ml and 0.075mg/1.5ml strengths.

Helsinn and Roche have asked for a judgment that Hospira has infringed the patents by applying for the ANDA, and for an order requesting that the FDA does not approve Hospira’s product before the five patents expire in 2024.

In January, Helsinn and Roche settled Aloxi-related patent litigation with generic drug maker Sandoz. Under the settlement agreement, Sandoz may enter the US market with a generic version of Aloxi in September 2018.