Bayer evaluating options in generic contraceptive drug case

PTI Updated - April 19, 2013 at 05:15 PM.

German drug major Bayer AG on Friday said it “disagrees” with a US court ruling that allowed Indian rival Lupin to sell generic version of its oral contraceptive (OC) tablet ‘Yaz’ in the American market and is “evaluating” options.

“We are disappointed by and disagree with the court’s ruling and are evaluating our options,” a Bayer spokesperson told PTI in an emailed response.

The spokesperson did not elaborate on what are the options the company is evaluating.

Earlier this week, Mumbai—based Lupin Ltd had announced that a US Court had ruled in its favour paving the way for the company to introduce a generic version of Bayer AG’s Yaz tablets in the American market.

“The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has ruled in the company’s favour regarding its appeal of a previous judgement by a lower court for Bayer AG’s Yaz oral contraceptive product,” Lupin had said in a statement.

On April 16, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that United States Patent No RE 37,564 (the RE ‘564 Patent) was invalid thereby reversing the district court’s decision of validity.

Lupin is currently seeking approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for generic Yaz and is working out its commercialisation plan.

Published on April 19, 2013 11:45