Sanofi and Regeneron strongly oppose jury decision on Amgen antibody patents

Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals recently announced that both companies strongly oppose the U.S. District Court jury decision for two patents involving Amgen antibodies designed to target PCSK9 (proprotein canvertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) that have been deemed valid.

In July of last year, Praluent, a PCSK9 inhibitor, was the first of its kind to receive approval in the United States. It is designed for use as a dietary aid that treats adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia who are in need of lowering their bad cholesterol.

"Praluent was developed with Regeneron's proprietary science and technology and represents an important medical advance for patients," Joseph LaRosa, SVP and General Counsel and Secretary for Regeneron, said.

Sanofi and Regeneron both insist that the Amgen patent claims are invalid and both companies plan to appeal the decision in the current U.S. patent infringement lawsuit. This decision represents the first step in the litigation process and does not affect Praluent or the delivery of the medication to physicians or patients.

The next step in the lawsuit includes possible damages and awaits the judge to hold a hearing to consider and determine a permanent injunction. Sanofi and Regeneron fully believe that the law and the facts of the case support their position. The companies have announced their intentions of taking their case to the Federal Court of Appeals.