Avanir sues Par, Actavis over generic versions of neurological drug

ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — Drug maker Avanir Pharmaceuticals has filed suit against two generic drug makers seeking to launch versions of a drug used to treat pseudobulbar affect, which causes sudden, involuntary episodes of laughing and crying, and occurs secondary to numerous other neurological conditions.

Avanir filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware against Par and Actavis, which had filed for regulatory approval of Nuedexta (dextromethorphan hydrobromide and quinidine sulfate).

Avanir alleged that the the generics made by Par and Actavis would violate U.S. Patent Nos. 7,659,282 and RE38,115, set to expire in August 2026 and January 2016, respectively.