Judge Rules Against Sanofi and Regeneron in Patent Case

By Jonathan D. Rockoff 

A U.S. federal judge ruled Thursday that drugmakers Sanofi SA and partner Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. infringed the patent that rival Amgen Inc. holds for its new cholesterol drug.

The decision permanently blocks Sanofi and Regeneron from selling their drug Praluent in the U.S., which would provide a big boost to Amgen's drug Repatha if the decision stands.

Both drugs were approved for sale in 2015 and belong to a new, powerful class of cholesterol fighters known as PCSK9s. Their sales have proven disappointing as health insurers have resisted paying the high prices, though analysts expect the drugs will eventually be big sellers.

RBC Capital Markets estimated peak annual sales for Repatha could as much as double to $4 billion globally without competition from its rival.

The injunction, issued by a judge from the U.S. District Court in Delaware, takes effect 30 days from now, to give Sanofi and Regeneron time to appeal or settle the case with Amgen.

The companies didn't have immediate comment.

Write to Jonathan D. Rockoff at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 05, 2017 20:10 ET (01:10 GMT)

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