Catalyst Sues to Block Three Copies of Firdapse, Its Cash Cow

Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Inc. alleges in three new lawsuits that copies of Firdapse proposed by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Lupin Ltd., and Hetero Labs Ltd. infringe six patents it licenses from Serb SA for the rare autoimmune disorder treatment, its flagship drug.

Firdapse is used to treat Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, or LEMS, which blocks communication between the nerves and muscles, leading to muscle weakness, according to the complaints filed Wednesday in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey.

The suit against Hetero also includes its Annora Pharma Private Ltd. unit and Grace Consulting Services Inc.

Catalyst ...