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news.US-based biopharmaceutical company Trubion Pharmaceuticals has announced that the opposition division of the European Patent Office has revoked Genentech and Biogen Idec's European patent, in its entirety. This patent was generally directed to the use of an anti-CD20 antibody for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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The revocation was the result of an opposition proceeding brought by Trubion and several other parties.
The opposition division ruled that the patent as granted did not meet the requirements for patentability under the European Patent Convention. Genentech and Biogen Idec have the right to appeal the decision.
Peter Thompson, president, CEO and chairman of Trubion, said: “We are extremely pleased with the European Patent Office’s decision as it supports the continued development of new and innovative therapies that have the potential to improve patient outcomes for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Continued innovation will ultimately provide patients with more effective, convenient, and safer therapies.”