Shionogi, Duchesnay Sue Hetero to Block Copies of Menopause Drug

Shionogi and closely held Duchesnay said Hetero Labs’ proposed generic version of Osphena infringes a patent for the treatment of painful sexual intercourse and vaginal dryness caused by menopause.

• Shionogi and Duchesnay are seeking a court order blocking copies until the patent has expired, according to complaint filed Wednesday in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware
• Osphena treats symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy caused by menopause, complaint says
• Patent, which is held by Shionogi’s QuatRx unit, expires in July 2028 and covers the formulation of ospemifene, Osphena’s active ingredient, complaint says
• Duchesnay in March 2017 bought from Shionogi exclusive ...