Natco settles patent suit with Gilead, others over Tamiflu

Natco Pharma and its partner Alvogen today said they have settled patent infringement suit with Gilead Sciences Inc and others over Tamiflu, in a US court.

"Natco Pharma Ltd and Alvogen... Have settled the patent infringement suit filed by Gilead Sciences Inc, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd and Genentech Inc... In New Jersey District Court," Natco said in a regulatory filing.

Tamiflu is used in the treatment of bird and swine-flu infections.

Natco and Alvogen partnered on the first Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) containing a paragraph IV certification filed with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for generic versions of Tamiflu oral capsules (oseltamivir phosphate) of 30 mg, 45 mg and 75 mg strengths.

In March last year, USFDA had granted tentative approval to Natco for the generic oseltamivir phosphate capsules.

"Under the terms of the settlement, Natco's partner Alvogen will be able to market the oseltamivir phosphate capsules before the expiration of the pediatric exclusivity period listed... Which is February 23, 2017," it added.

In 2011, Natco had challenged Gilead's patent on Tamiflu (Oseltamivir Phosphate) alleging that Gilead's patent on the drug is invalid.

Tamiflu was developed by Gilead, which receives royalties on the drug's sale from Roche Holding.

Shares of Natco were trading at Rs 537.65, up 1.03 per cent from previous close on BSE.