GSK, Cypress reach agreement on Zantac

MADISON, Miss. Glaxo Group Limited and Cypress Pharmaceuticals have reached a settlement regarding their patent litigation concerning the drug Zantac.

Cypress was trying to launch a generic version of the drug, rantidine, which is used to treat ulcers in the stomach and intestines and prevent them from returning. It is also used to treat and prevent stomach and throat problems caused by too much stomach acid.

Under the terms of the settlement, Glaxo will not claim its patent against Cypress’ generic version. This will result in the dismissal of the case in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Cypress expects to launch the drug immediately following approval from the Food and Drug Administration. According to IMS Health, brand sales of Zantac syrup were about $121 million for the 12 months that ended in December 2006.