Natco partner clears one patent hurdle for US generic launch

This is for the generic version of a popular drug for multiple sclerosis, Copaxone 40 mg

A district court in America has cleared a legal hurdle over the possible launch by Mylan of the generic version of a popular drug for multiple sclerosis (MS), Copaxone 40 mg.

The court declared four other patent claims to be invalid. One more patent claim is pending before a tribunal there.

Mylan, a US drug generics major, is marketing partner of Hyderabad-based Natco Pharma for this particular generic. They would jointly benefit from its possible launch, conditional upon approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Natco announced the development on Tuesday.

Natco shares rose six per cent intra day to Rs