Gabapentin is the AB-rated generic equivalent of Neurontin, a drug used to treat epileptic seizures which is marketed by Warner-Lambert, a unit of Pfizer.
On February 11, 2005, Ivax entered into a settlement of litigation with the FDA and Alpharma Inc regarding gabapentin. Pursuant to the settlement, Alpharma waived its FDA-awarded 180-day marketing exclusivity period in favor of Ivax for gabapentin capsules and gabapentin tablets.
On August 18, 2004, Ivax launched its non-AB rated gabapentin tablets in 100mg, 300mg, and 400mg dosage strengths. Ivax will continue to market its non-AB rated tablets as well as its AB-rated capsules in these dosage strengths through its subsidiary, Ivax Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Ivax is presently litigating whether its gabapentin products infringe a patent held by Pfizer. A trial in the US, District Court of New Jersey has not yet been scheduled.