Dive Brief:
- After losing a patent-protection suit related to Copaxone in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Teva took the case to the Supreme Court, which has now ruled in the company's favor.
- The case hinged on whether or not generic companies could start copy-catting Teva's top-selling product, Copaxone, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). In July 2014, Teva filed a Citizen's Petition to protect its patent.
- Teva's Copaxone patent expires in September 2015.
Dive Insight:
It's been a long battle, but based on the outcome, Teva will enjoy another eight months of exclusivity before its patent expires.
The vote in the Supreme Court was 7-to-2 in favor of Teva, with Justice Stephen Breyer writing the majority opinion and Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting.