Biogen Wins Summary Judgment in Patent Dispute over AVONEX(R) Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

Strategic Insights -

Biogen, a leading biopharmaceutical company, has received a significant victory in a patent dispute over its flagship treatment for multiple sclerosis, AVONEX(R) (Interferon beta-1a). The company announced that Judge Mark L. Wolf of the Federal District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted summary judgment, ruling that Biogen's AVONEX(R) does not infringe on the "McCormick" patents held by Berlex Laboratories, Inc. This decision marks a major milestone for Biogen, as it confirms the company's strong legal position in the dispute.

Key Takeaways:

  • Biogen's AVONEX(R) has been found not to infringe on the "McCormick" patents held by Berlex Laboratories, Inc. (U.S. Patent Nos. 5,376,567 and 5,795,779).
  • The judge concluded that it is now appropriate to enter final judgment for Biogen in an appropriate form.
  • The company's AVONEX(R) is the world's leading drug for treatment of multiple sclerosis.
  • Biogen's President and Chief Executive Officer, James C. Mullen, expressed enthusiasm about the ruling, stating that it vindicates the company's position and marks a significant step towards putting the matter behind them.
  • The company generates revenues from U.S. and European sales of AVONEX(R) and from the worldwide sales by licensees of a number of products, including alpha interferon and hepatitis B vaccines and diagnostic products.
  • Biogen's research and development activities are focused on novel products for multiple sclerosis, inflammatory, respiratory, kidney, and cardiovascular diseases and in developmental biology and gene therapy.

Statistics:

  • Biogen's AVONEX(R) is the leading treatment for multiple sclerosis.
  • Biogen generates revenues from U.S. and European sales of AVONEX(R), with an unspecified share coming from worldwide sales by licensees of other products.
  • Biogen has won the 1998 U.S. National Medal of Technology, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding achievements in technology and innovation.
  • Biogen is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on discovering and developing drugs for human healthcare through genetic engineering.

Sources:

  • [PRNewswire, Aug. 15]
  • Biogen's Homepage on the World Wide Web:
  • Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995