PARSIPPANY, N.J. (AP) -- Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Monday that a federal appeals court agreed with its argument that four of the patents on the overactive-bladder treatment Sanctura XR are not valid.
Watson is seeking approval to market a lower-cost generic version of the drug. The company said that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit agreed that four of the patents supporting Sanctura XR are not valid, and the ruling confirmed an earlier decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware.
The U.S. rights to Sanctura XR, or extended release trospium chloride, are held by Allergan Inc. Watson said U.S. sales totaled $66 million over the 12 months ended April 30. The FDA has not yet approved Watson's generic.
Shares of Watson Pharmaceuticals rose 20 cents to close at $69.22.
