Shire wins US patent trial for ulcerative colitis drug Lialda

The United States District Court for Southern Florida has upheld Shire’s patent for ulcerative colitis drug Lialda in the US until 2020.

The decision follows litigation by Shire against Allergan’s Watson unit in connection with its abbreviated new drug application for a generic version of Lialda.

“Shire is very pleased that the court has once again ruled in our favour, reaffirming the validity of the patent protecting Lialda,” said James Harrington, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Intellectual Property.

“This ruling supports the innovation and value we continue to bring to the patients who benefit from this important medicine that allows them to lead better lives.”

Shire’s Lialda remains the only once-daily mesalamine product indicated for both the induction of remission of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis and the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis.

At 1252 GMT, Shire shares were down 0.3% to 3,872p while Allergan was flat in pre-market trade.