Glenmark faces patent infringement suit for cancer drug in US

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has been slapped with a patent infringement case by US-based Cephalon Inc, over its plans to sell generic version of leukaemia treatment drug Treanda in the American market.

"Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd and Glenmark Generics Inc, USA '(Glenmark') confirms Cephalon Inc has filed a patent infringement suit on 26 Dec 2013 in the US District Court for the District of Delaware seeking to prevent Glenmark from commercialising its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Bendamustine Hydrochloride product," the company said.

The complaint has been filed against Glenmark trying to commercialise the product before the expiry of patent which is a generic version of Treanda, it added.

"A complaint against Glenmark has been filed on US patent 8,445,524," Glenmark said.

Bendamustine is indicated for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, it added.

Shares of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals were today trading at Rs 533 per scrip in the early afternoon on BSE, up 0.18 per cent, from its previous close.