Barr Files Suit Against Watson Over Application For Generic Version Of Seasonique

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology;  Sexual Health / STDs;  Medical Malpractice / Litigation
Article Date: 07 Mar 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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Barr Pharmaceuticals on Wednesday announced that it has filed suit against Watson Pharmaceuticals for alleged patent infringement on Barr's extended-cycle oral contraceptive Seasonique, the AP/BusinessWeek reports. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 22 issued a patent for Seasonique, which expires in 2024. That same day, Watson notified Barr that it had filed an FDA abbreviated new drug application to make a generic version of Seasonique (AP/BusinessWeek, 3/5).

In addition to the patent, Barr has exclusive rights to market Seasonique for three years after FDA approval, according to Reuters. Barr said that if it loses the suit, it could face generic competition for Seasonique as soon as May 25, 2009, when the three-year exclusivity ends (Raj, Reuters, 3/5).

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