Pfizer targets Eucrisa generics in five Delaware suits

Pfizer subsidiary Anacor has filed five lawsuits targeting drug manufacturers looking to manufacture generic versions of its eczema treatment Eucrisa (crisaborole).

Anacor filed the five lawsuits against Alkem Laboratories, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Macleods Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Altaris’ recently acquired generic arm Padagis Israel Pharmaceuticals on Friday 24 September.

The generics manufacturers had submitted Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDA) to the US Food and Drug Administration seeking approval to market generic versions of crisaborole ointment, prior to the expiration of key patents.

While four of the five manufacturers have been accused of infringing four patents related to Crisaborole, Teva has only been accused of infringing on three of the patents with its ANDA.

The four patents—US Patent 8,039,451, 8,168,614, 8,501,712 and  9,682,092—cover “Boron-Containing Small Molecules as Anti-Inflammatory Agents.”

Anacor is seeking a judgment from the US District Court for the District of Delaware that the generics manufacturers have infringed on the patents-in-suit.

It also seeks a court order blocking generics of the drug until the patents have expired, with cash compensation if generics are manufactured before the patents expire.

The ‘712 and the ‘092 patents and the set to expire in 2027, while the ‘451 patent is set to expire in June 2026 and the ‘614 patent in January 2030.

This new round of suits follows Pfizer’s and Teva’s recent settlement at the same Delaware court over a proposed generic of Xejanz (tofacitinib). The trial for the case was originally scheduled for January 2022, according to a prior motion.

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