Natco Pharma open to settle cancer drug patent case with US co

HYDERABAD: Natco Pharma Ltd on Friday did not rule out a settlement over the patent issue with Celgene Corp, which has said it would file a complaint against the former for alleged infringement of its cancer drug Revlimid.

The city-based generic drugmaker recently filed an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking nod to market lenalidomide (a cancer drug) capsules in 5, 10, 15 and 25 mg.

According to a senior Natco official, they may consider a settlement over the patent issue with the American drugmaker provided the terms are in their (Natco) favour.

"We are aware of the company's (Celgene) move. We have not received any notice so far in that regard. Usually settlements will depend on the terms offered," the official told PTI.

Celgene has reportedly said it intends to vigorously enforce its intellectual property rights for Revlimid, its most important drug, and will file the complaint within the required 45-day response period against Natco.

Celgene is the innovator of the drug and markets it under the brand Revlimid. Natco's application is for marketing the generic version of Revlimid.

On the other hand, Natco is also gearing up for one of the biggest litigations in its close to three decades of existence. If successful, Natco will get hold of the largest exclusive opportunity in a USD 4-billion market.