Glenmark settles patent suit for with US firm

Drug firm Glenmark Pharmaceuticals today said it's subsidiary Glenmark Generics has entered into a settlement and licence agreement with US-based Nycomed to resolve patent infringement lawsuit for fluticasone propionate lotion, used for treating skin pain and itch.

"Glenmark Generics Ltd has entered into a settlement and and license agreement with Nycomed US to resolve the patent infringement suit regarding Glenmark's abbreviated new drug application for Fluticasone Propionate 0.05 lotion," Glenmark said in a filing to the Bombay stock Exchange.

Fluticasone propionate 0.05% lotion by Glenmark is generic version of Nycomed's 'Cultivate' lotion.

"Under the terms of agreement, Glenmark will be able to market and distribute it's Fluticasone Propionate lotion under a royalty-bearing license from Nycomed US in March 2012, or earlier in certain circumstances," it added.

Nycomed had filed a patent infringement suit in the US District Court of New York in December, 2008, challenging Glenmark's ANDA for Fluticasone propionate lotion.

The company believes it is entitled to 180 days exclusivity for the product as it is the first generic company to have filed an ANDA for the product.

Glenmark had earlier said that it has received final approval from the US health regulator for its generic Fluticasone propionate lotion. The product is used in treating skin pain and itching caused by eczema.

According to IMS health sales data for the year ended December, 2010, 'Cultivate' lotion achieved annual sales of nearly $48 million in the American market, Glenmark said.

Shares of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals were today trading at Rs 283.20 in the afternoon trade on BSE, up 2.04% from its previous close.