GlaxoSmithKline Sued Over Patent for Cancer Treatment Arzerra

Strategic Insights -

GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK) has been sued by U.S.-based biotech firms Genentech and Biogen Idec over a patent related to cancer treatment Arzerra that GSK and Danish biotech partner Genmab A/S are developing. The lawsuit was filed in a California court, alleging infringement of a patent granted to Biogen Idec and Genentech for a method of treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia using an anti-CD20 antibody. GSK has stated that it is studying the granted patent but does not believe the claims are valid or enforceable.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit was filed by Genentech and Biogen Idec in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, alleging infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,682,612.
  • The patent relates to a method of treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia using an anti-CD20 antibody.
  • GlaxoSmithKline and Genmab A/S have jointly developed Arzerra, a medication approved by the U.S. FDA in October for treatment of leukemia patients who have failed to respond to other therapies.
  • GlaxoSmithKline believes it is in the best interests of patients that the medication continues to be available and does not believe the patent claims are valid or enforceable.
  • Sydbank analyst Rune Majlund Dahl states that more information is needed to determine the consequences of the lawsuit for Genmab and GlaxoSmithKline, but potentially they might have to pay royalties to Genentech and Biogen Idec.
  • Shares in GlaxoSmithKline were up 0.2% at 1296 pence, while Genmab was down 0.6% at DKK72.15.

Statistics:

  • The medicine Arzerra is being developed jointly by GlaxoSmithKline and Genmab A/S.
  • The U.S. FDA approved Arzerra in October for treatment of leukemia patients who have failed to respond to other therapies.
  • U.S. Patent No. 7,682,612 was granted to Biogen Idec and Genentech on March 23, 2010.
  • GSK shares were up 0.2% at 1296 pence.
  • Genmab shares were down 0.6% at DKK72.15.

Sources:

  • "GlaxoSmithKline sued over patent for cancer treatment", Euclid Infotech, distributed by Contify.com