Drug news
US District Court invalidates four patents for Cubicin - Cubist Pharma
A US District Court in a case brought by Hospira has invalidated four patents extending to 2020 for Cubicin (daptomycin)from Cubist Pharma, and upheld one patent that expires in 2016. Now, subject to Cubist bringing an appeal, generic manufacturer Hospira and others,including Teva, Mylan and Fresenius can launch generic versions of the drug as early as June 2016 or six months later, if Cubist secures a paediatric exclusivity. The effect of the decision is to take four years exclusivity away from Cubicin. Merck which is acquiring Cubist now looks to be paying a high price and must look forward to the approval of Zerbaxa (ceftolozane/tazobactam) for its return on the deal.