Theravance, Viatris Sue to Block Copies of Yupelri COPD Drug

Theravance Biopharma Inc. and Viatris Inc. allege that copies of the chronic inflammatory lung disease drug Yupelri proposed by Teva Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. and six other generic-drug makers infringe five patents for the inhalation solution, which accounted for nearly 80% of Theravance’s 2021 revenue.

Theravance Biopharma R&D IP LLC owns the patents and licenses them exclusively to Theravance Biopharma Ireland Ltd., with Viatris’ Mylan Ireland Ltd. the exclusive sublicensee, according to a complaint filed Thursday in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey.

The defendants also include Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Mankind Pharma Ltd., Intas ...