SmithKline Beecham Plans Suit to Protect Paxil Patent

SmithKline Beecham (Philadelphia, PA) is prepared to file a lawsuit against TorPharm (Toronto, Canada) and Apotex Corp charging infringement of SB's patent on Paxil, the antidepressant medicine.

TorPharm, through its U.S. agent, Apotex Corp, filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application with paragraph iv certification with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The companies seek approval to introduce a generic form of SB's Paxil into the U.S. market prior to the expiration of SB's U.S. patent in 2006.

"It's common practice for generic manufacturers to try to circumvent patents on major products," said Howard Pien, president of SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals. "Our Paxil patents run through the end of 2006. We have a strong patent position and will vigorously defend it."

Edited by Beth Brindle

For more information: Sharyn Arnold, SmithKline Beecham, Philadelphia, PA. Tel: 215-751-7074.