Amgen, Galaxy, GlaxoSmithKline cancer news
Galaxy said the European Patent Office's Opposition Board upheld Galaxy's patent covering a humanized mAb against hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) following opposition from Amgen and GlaxoSmithKline. The patent - European Patent Number EP 1 734 995 B1 - expires in 2024. According to Galaxy, Amgen and GSK filed statements of opposition in April 2011, which included added matter; lack of sufficient disclosure; lack of novelty; and lack of incentive step (obviousness). Galaxy said the Opposition Board ruled in favor of the company on all four oppositions. Galaxy said the decision strengthens its similar U.S. and Japanese patents covering HGF mAbs, which also expire in 2024.
GSK told BioCentury that it is awaiting the written decision on the opposition and maintains its position that the patent is invalid, but declined to disclose details. Amgen declined to comment. ...