Company states the realisation of generic competition is neither certain nor imminent
Orion Corporation filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the United States to enforce U.S. Patent Nos. 5,135,950; 5,446,194; and 6,500,867 against Wockhardt USA, Inc. and Wockhardt Limited, who seek to market a generic version of Orion Corporation's proprietary drug, Stalevo® (specifically 12.5/200/50 mg strength of carbidopa/entacapone/levodopa) in the United States. Stalevo is an enhanced levodopa treatment originated by Orion Corporation and marketed in the United States by its exclusive licensee, Novartis, for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
As reported in November 2008, Orion Corporation was notified that Wockhardt Limited submitted an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that included a Paragraph IV challenge to several of Orion Corporation's patents. By suing to enforce its patents within 45 days from receipt of the Paragraph IV certification notice, Orion Corporation is entitled to an automatic stay prohibiting the FDA from approving the applicants ANDA for 30 months, or until an earlier court decision adverse to Orion Corporation's patents in the infringement lawsuit. As such, the realisation of generic competition is neither certain nor imminent. Orion Corporation and Novartis will vigorously defend the intellectual property rights covering Stalevo.
ABOUT ORION
Orion is dedicated to treating and preventing disease by discovery and developing innovative medicinal treatments. In 2007, Orion generated net sales of EUR 683.6 million and invested EUR 98.5 million in research and development. The number of employees is approximately 3,300. Orion corporate headquarters are in Espoo, Finland. For more information, please visit: http://www.orion.fi/english/.
Orion Corporation
Timo Lappalainen Olli Huotari
President and CEO Senior VP, Corporate Functions
Contact person:
Olli Huotari, Senior VP, Corporate Functions, phone +358 10 426 3054
Statements in this news release other than historical information are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially depending on factors such as the availability of resources, the timing and effects of regulatory actions, the strength of competition, the outcome of litigation and the effectiveness of patent protection. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties is set forth in Annual Report for 2007.
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Orion Corporation
Communications
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Homepage: www.orion.fi