US court rules in favour of Warner Chilcott

Warner Chilcott has announced that it has received a decision from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana concerning its patent litigation dispute with Teva Pharmaceuticals (Teva).

The case was initiated in response to an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) filed by Teva to market a generic version of Sarafem, the US sales and marketing rights of which were acquired from Eli Lilly & Co. (Lilly) by Warner Chilcott in January 2003.

Sarafem is indicated for the treatment of Pre-Menstrual Dysphonic Disorder (PMDD).

Under the ruling, Judge Barker has found in favour of Lilly and Warner Chilcott, and upheld the validity of the Sarafem patent.

As a result, injunctive relief is available to Warner Chilcott until the expiration of the patent in May 2008.

Commenting on the court's decision, Roger Boissonneault, CEO of Warner Chilcott said, "We are extremely pleased to hear that the court has found in our favour in this case.

"Sarafem is, and will continue to be, an important product for us and following this decision, we will continue to move forward with our plans to develop the PMDD market and introduce new products under the Sarafem brand."