As previously announced, Eisai has filed the infringement actions in December 2005 contesting Teva’s submission of an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) to the FDA for Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride). Aricept, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor is indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.
Hajime Shimizu, chairman and CEO of Eisai Corporation of North America and Eisai, said: “We are pleased with the court’s preliminary injunction decision to prevent the sale of Teva’s generic product before the expiration of the donepezil composition of matter patent. We will continue to actively protect our intellectual property throughout the world.”