MMR - Wyeth launches generic Protonix
MADISON, N.J. — Wyeth has launched a generic version of Protonix tablets through a distribution agreement with Prasco Laboratories. Wyeth says that it is continuing legal action against Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., which in December launched its own generic version of the heartburn medication.
In a prepared statement Wyeth maintains that one of its critical patents on Protonix protects it from generics competition until July 2010. Under a standstill agreement with Wyeth, Teva later announced that it would discontinue sales of its product as the two sides attempted to assess whether their patent litigation could be resolved.
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“Compound patents, like that infringed by Teva, represent the foundation of pharmaceutical innovation,” insists Bernard Poussot, president and chief executive officer of Wyeth. “We believe that the Protonix compound is strong, and we will vigorously pursue our litigation against Teva and other infringing generics.” He adds that the company will seek monetary damages from Teva.
With Wyeth’s most recent action, Teva maintains that the standstill pact has been resolved and notes it has since resumed sales of its generic.
“We are pleased to have established our agreement with Wyeth,” says E. Thomas Arington, chief executive officer of Prasco.
Protonix had produced sales in the United States of about $2 billion before Teva’s generic began shipping to retail pharmacies in late December. Wyeth’s earnings prospects are threatened not only by existing supplies of the Teva product but also by any looming versions from other generic drug manufacturers.
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