Ranbaxy, GSK settle Valtrex US patent case

Ranbaxy Laboratories today has reached an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to stipulate a dismissal of their US litigation with regard to Valtrex (Valacyclovir Hydrochloride tablets).

According to a release issued by Ranbaxy to the BSE today, the lawsuit in the US was related to GSK's US Patent No 4,957,924, covering Valacyclovir Hydrochloride and its use in the treatment of herpes virus infections.

As per the agreement, Ranbaxy will enter the US market in late 2009 and will enjoy a 180 days exclusivity for the drug. The company has also obtained a license to GSK's US Patent Nos. 5,879,706 and 6,107,302, listed in the Orange book for Valacyclovir. The total annual market sales of Valtrex were around $1.3 bn (source IMS).

'In early February 2007, the Company received a final approval from the US FDA to market and manufacture Valacyclovir Hydrochloride tablets.', the release added.