Forest Labs, Merz Pharma settle Namenda patent infringement litigation
Forest Laboratories, Inc Forest Laboratories Holdings, Ltd, Merz Pharma GmbH & Co KGaA, and Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH have entered into settlement agreements with all remaining defendants in patent infringement litigation related to Forest's Namenda (memantine hydrochloride) immediate release tablets.
Under the settlement agreements, the first generic versions of memantine would be able to enter the market on January 11, 2015. Specifically, under the terms of the settlement agreements reached, and subject to review of the settlement terms by the US Federal Trade Commission, Forest and Merz will provide licenses to each of Amneal, Watson, Dr Reddy's, Lupin, Mylan, Orchid, Sun, Teva, Upsher-Smith, and Wockhardt that will permit these companies to launch their generic versions of Namenda as of the date that is the later of (a) three calendar months prior to the expiration of US Patent No. 5,061,703, including any extensions and/or pediatric exclusivities or (b) the date each company receives final US FDA approval of its ANDA, or earlier in certain circumstances.
Merz Pharmaceuticals researches, develops, produces and distributes innovative pharmaceutical products in the areas of neurology and psychiatry as well as in aesthetic dermatology and metabolism.
Forest Laboratories is a US-based pharmaceutical company with a long track record of building partnerships and developing and marketing products that make a positive difference in people's lives.