Sumitomo sues over antipsychotic drug
Japan-based Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma has taken on Indian generics company Emcure Pharmaceuticals over an antipsychotic drug.
Sumitomo and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Sumitomo, filed the claim yesterday, February 13, at the US District Court for the District of New Jersey.
The plaintiffs alleged that Emcure has infringed US patent number 9,815,827 called “Agent for treatment of schizophrenia”, which is marketed as Latuda (lurasidone hydrochloride).
According to Sumitomo, Emcure is currently seeking approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its Abbreviated New Drug Application, number 208,058.
The claim said that Emcure’s conduct “has or will cause foreseeable harm and injury” to Sumitomo and Sunovion.
The ‘827 patent was designed to treat patients with illnesses such as schizophrenia or manic depressive psychosis.
Sumitomo claimed that, unlike conventional antipsychotic drugs, Latuda does not result in clinically significant weight gain. It also alleged that Emcure’s applied-for generic drug will be administrated in similar dosages to Latuda, and will not result in significant weight gain.
The Japan-based company is requesting a permanent injunction and damages.
LSIPR reported in January 2017 that Par Pharmaceutical had sought declaratory judgment that it didn't infringe patents related to Latuda.
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