Generic versions of Copaxone hit roadblock

NEW YORK Efforts by two generic drug makers to market a generic version of a drug for multiple sclerosis hit an obstacle this week in a U.S. District Court.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York denied a motion for summary judgment filed by Sandoz and Momenta Pharmaceuticals that patents covering Teva Pharmaceutical Industries’ drug Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) are invalid due to indefiniteness.

“Teva is very pleased with today’s decision, which reaffirms our belief that the patents are valid and enforceable,” Teva corporate VP and chief legal officer Richard Egosi said. “We remain committed to vigorously defending Copaxone [intellectual property] rights against infringement wherever they are challenged.”

The court has yet to set a trial date. The patents covering Copaxone are set to expire in 2014, according to Food and Drug Administration records.