GlaxoSmithKline brought a patent lawsuit against Spectrum in 2005 alleging that the Imitrex patent has been infringed.
Spectrum received approval from the FDA for the generic version of the product sumatriptan injection in October 2006.
The terms of the settlement provide that Spectrum may exclusively distribute authorized generic versions of certain sumatriptan injection products in the United States with an expected launch during GSK’s sumatriptan pediatric exclusivity period which begins on August 6, 2008. Spectrum will launch sumatriptan injection through its partner for the sale and distribution of the drug, Par Pharmaceuticals. In February 2006, Spectrum entered into an agreement with Par Pharmaceutical to develop and market generic drugs for the company.
GlaxoSmithKline’s Imitrex Injection has annual US sales of approximately $220 million, according to IMS Health.
“Spectrum will receive the majority of the profits from the sale of sumatriptan injection, and we expect to use those profits to fund the further development of our proprietary drug pipeline,” stated Rajesh Shrotriya, chairman, CEO and president of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals.