Biaxin is in a group of drugs called macrolide antibiotics. It fights bacteria in the body. Biaxin is used to treat many different types of bacterial infections affecting the skin and respiratory system. It is also used together with other medicines to treat stomach ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori.
As per Abbott’s annual report, sales from Biaxin declined to $14m in the US in 2008 from $458m in 2004.
Abbott is now seeking compensation for its lost sales and has prevented Sandoz from selling its copy until a patent expires in 2017.
Reportedly, Sandoz has initiated selling a version of Biaxin in December 2006 and was sentenced to stop four months later, quoted the website.
Abbott said that as per the settlement agreement with Teva and Watson only they are now eligible to sell the generic version of Biaxin.
Scott Stoffel, spokesperson of Abbott, said: “The terms of the accord, which eliminates the need for a trial that was set to start today in federal court in Chicago, are confidential.”