Vifor, Fresenius Win Long-Awaited Ruling on Teva’s Velphoro Copy

Vifor Pharma and Fresenius Medical Care’s joint venture convinced a Delaware federal judge that Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc.’s proposed generic version of Velphoro infringes a patent for the drug, which treats chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis.

The Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. unit failed to convince Judge Maryellen Noreika to cancel the patent, according to an opinion issued Thursday in the US District Court for the District of Delaware.

The infringing patent is related to the drug’s composition and its use in controlling phosphorous levels in patients. It expires in July 2030.

The ruling landed more than a year-and-a-half ...