Genzyme sues Indian drug maker
WILMINGTON, Del. - Genzyme Corp., the world's largest maker of drugs for rare genetic disorders, sued Indian drug maker Lupin Ltd. for allegedly infringing four US patents for kidney medicine Renagel.
Lupin is wrongly using the technology covered by patents awarded from 1996 to 2006 with its plans to market versions of Renagel tablets, Genzyme said in a complaint filed Thursday in federal court in Wilmington, Del.
Lupin sent a letter to Cambridge-based Genzyme Jan. 20 that "opined that the patents are invalid, unenforceable, and or will not be infringed," according to the lawsuit.
Genzyme seeks a permanent injunction against Lupin copies.
Genzyme had sales last year of $678 million for Renagel and a companion drug, Renvela, the company said last month.
Renagel is used to control phosphorous levels in patients on kidney dialysis. Genzyme reported $4.6 billion in total revenue for 2008.
A US spokeswoman for Lupin said the company had no comment. Lupin had $671.9 million in sales last fiscal year. 