I am sorry, I don't know if this has implications for regn's cytokine traps. I do know Imnx and Regn have an issue with European patent.
ZymoGenetics Files Patent Infringement Suit Against Immunex
- Law suit addresses rheumatoid arthritis drug Enbrel (R) -
SEATTLE, March 7 /PRNewswire/ -- ZymoGenetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZGEN - news) filed a patent infringement lawsuit today against Immunex Corporation in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle. The lawsuit alleges patent infringement by Immunex through its manufacture, importation and sale of Enbrel (R), Immunex's etanercept dimeric fusion protein for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other related conditions. This action is consistent with ZymoGenetics' business strategy to protect and commercialize its extensive patent portfolio.
``ZymoGenetics has built a broad patent estate as a result of our focus to discover and develop therapeutic proteins,'' stated Bruce L.A. Carter, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of ZymoGenetics. ``We intend to protect aggressively this intellectual property against infringement by other parties. ZymoGenetics' broad patent portfolio is a valuable asset that protects our own potential products and demonstrates the depth and breadth of the research and development activities accomplished by our scientists.''
The lawsuit charges Immunex of directly and willfully infringing United States Patent Numbers 5,843,725, 6,018,026, 6,291,212 B1, 6,291,646 B1, 6,300,099 B1 and 6,323,323 B1 through the manufacture, importation and sale of Enbrel (R). Enbrel (R) is a dimeric fusion protein, the type of protein covered by the claims of the patents in the lawsuit. The product sold in excess of $750 million worldwide last year. ZymoGenetics is seeking monetary damages based on Immunex's infringement of ZymoGenetics' patents. |
