Merck sues Strides Pharma over HIV treatment

Merck has filed a complaint against Strides Pharma for alleged patent infringement over Sustiva (efavirenz), an antiviral medication that prevents HIV from multiplying in the human body.

The case, which was filed in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey on Tuesday, November 29, arose after Strides Pharma filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application with the Food and Drug Administration seeking permission to market a generic version of the drug.

The US patents involved are numbers 6,639,071; 6,939,964 and 6,673,372.

Merck has asked the district court for a judgment that Strides Pharma has infringed its patents.

It has further asked for a permanent injunction enjoining Strides Pharma from bringi ng a generic to market, as well as damages.