Astellas, Boehringer Ingelheim Reach Settlement With Impax

Astellas Pharma (Astellas) and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, a US subsidiary of Boehringer Ingelheim, have reached an agreement with Impax Laboratories (Impax) to settle their pending US litigation.

The litigation was filed in regard to the US Patent No. 4,703,063 for Flomax through the entry of a consent judgment confirming the validity and infringement of the patent.

Reportedly, as a result of the settlement, the case has been terminated by the consent judgment. The settlement of the litigation provides Impax with the opportunity to launch a generic tamsulosin hydrochloride product on or after March 2, 2010, prior to the expiration of pediatric exclusivity.

Flomax (generic name: tamsulosin hydrochloride capsules, brand name in Japan: Harnal) is a treatment for the functional symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.