Home » News » 01/06 » Sanofi-Aventis to defend patents

Sanofi-Aventis to defend patents

Date published: 25/01/2006

Sanofi-Aventis has moved against rumours that the US Food and Drink Administration (FDA) had allowed a generic version of one its drugs to be marketed. It was suggested the FDA had given authorisation to the Canadian firm Apotex to produce a version of the blood thinner Plavix (Clopidogrel).

The French company said in a statement: "Sanofi-Aventis reiterates that clopidogrel bisulphate continues to be protected by a valid patent. "Sanofi-Aventis will vigorously defend its rights."

A trial over the patent is set to open in April with generic makers Apotex and Dr Reddy's Laboratories claiming that Plavix's patent is not sound as it is not truly new and inventive. The patent is set to expire in 2011 but if the court finds in favour of the generic firms it is estimated about ten per cent could be cut from Sanofi-Aventis' operating profit. Meanwhile, Plavix has been approved for use in Japan. The country's ministry of health, labour and welfare has approved the drug to be marketed for the reduction of recurrence after ischemic cerebrovascular disorder.

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