In this ruling, the Court found that the patent at issue was invalid, because it was obvious. Yasmin (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) provides an oral contraceptive regimen consisting of 21 active tablets each containing 3mg of drospirenone and 0.03mg of ethinyl estradiol and seven inert tablets. Yasmin is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy in women who elect to use an oral contraceptive.
Bruce Downey, chairman and CEO of Barr, said: “We are delighted that Judge Sheridan has invalidated the patent on Yasmin. We are currently reviewing the opinion in the case and evaluating all of our options.”