Teva Pharmaceuticals and Boehringer Ingelheim in patent dispute

Two drug companies are in dispute over the patent for an alleged invention related to an inhalation capsule used in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a court has heard.

Norton (Waterford) Ltd, trading as Teva Pharmaceuticals Ireland, wants the High Court to order the revocation of a patent issued to Boehringer Ingelheim International GMBH.

The same patent protects Boehringer’s ‘Spiriva’ product which is used with its ‘Handihaler’ inhalation device, Teva claims.