Meda Pharmaceuticals has filed a patent infringement suit against Apotex and Perrigo in US District Court in regard to their generic versions of its Astepro azelastine nasal spray for the treatment of rhinitis. The suit alleges infringement of a patent granted to Meda in December 2011 when the two companies submitted abbreviated new drug applications for generic azelastine nasal sprays.
In response, Perrigo is confirming that it filed an ANDA for an azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray and notified Meda. Perrigo is partnered with California-based Impax Laboratories on the nasal spray.
Perrigo Chairman and CEO Joseph C. Papa commented, “This filing is another example of our investment in new products and expansion of our extended topical product portfolio. We are pleased to partner with Impax on this important product opportunity. As always, Perrigo is committed to making quality healthcare more affordable for our customers.” Impax President and CEO Larry Hsu responded, “We are excited to collaborate with Perrigo on this product as we continue to execute our strategy of diversifying our product base.”
View the Meda legal documents.
Read the Perrigo press release.
