Astellas, Gilead Sue Amphastar to Block Copies of Lexiscan Drug

Astellas and Gilead said proposed copies of the drug, used to help detect heart disease, by Amphastar’s International Medication Systems unit infringe three patents for Lexiscan.

• Astellas and Gilead are seeking a court order blocking copies until the patents have expired, and to collect cash compensation if copies are made before then, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware
• Lexiscan, injected before an imaging test that shows how well blood flows through the heart, helps doctors detect coronary artery disease
• Gilead owns the patents and licenses them exclusively to Astellas, according to the complaint ...