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J&J gets exclusivity period on Topamax extended

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July 24, 2008

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Johnson & Johnson's neurologics unit said Thursday a Food and Drug Administration decision will extend the patent on its epilepsy treatment Topamax for nearly another year.

The drug, which is approved for patients aged 10 years and older, is set to lose patent protection in September. But, the FDA has granted market exclusivity for use of the drug in patients aged 1 month to 24 months old, extending the patent to March 2009.

The drug is still not approved for use in infants, and Johnson & Johnson said it is not seeking approval for that indication.

Shares of Johnson & Johnson rose 39 cents to close at $68.66.

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