California therapeutics maker Gilead Sciences Inc., with drug-development operations in Branford, says that Natco Pharma Ltd. is challenging a patent on the flu drug Tamiflu, The Associated Press reports.
Tamiflu was developed by Gilead, of Foster City, Calif., which receives royalties on the drug’s sale from Roche Holding AG.
Gilead said Natco is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval to sell a generic version of Tamiflu and alleges that Gilead’s patent on the drug is invalid.
Gilead said it is reviewing the notice it received from the FDA and has 45 days to file a lawsuit against Natco. If it does sue Natco, that would bar the FDA from allowing Natco to make the Tamiflu generic for two and half years or until the case is decided in Natco’s favor, Gilead said.
