Sun Pharma launches generic version of Wyeth's Protonix
30 Jan 2008
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced today that it has commercially launched generic pantoprazole sodium delayed release (DR) tablets, 40mg, which is AB-rated to Wyeth's Protonix DR Tablets. This strength of pantoprazole sodium has annual sales of approximately $2.3 billion in the US.
Sun, which received a USFDA approval for these tablets in September, sells the product in the US through its marketing tie-up with Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories.
Sun's launch was initiated after the 22 December 2007 commercial launch of generic pantoprazole sodium tablets by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and after the January 29, 2008 commercial launch by Wyeth of generic pantoprazole sodium tablets product through its designated distributor.
Sun shares a 180-day marketing exclusivity period with Teva for the product, with whom it is currently involved in patent litigation along with Altana (now Nycomed) over this product in New Jersey.
Although no trial date has yet been set, in September 2007, the District Court denied a motion filed by Wyeth and Altana for a preliminary injunction related to Sun's pantoprazole tablets.
Wyeth and Altana have appealed the District Court's decision. Protonix is a registered trademark of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc.