Amgen, J&J, Pfizer hematology, biosimilars news

Amgen filed suit against the Hospira Inc. subsidiary of Pfizer in an attempt to delay the approval and launch of Retacrit epoetin zeta, a biosimilar of anemia drugs Epogen epoetin alfa from Amgen and Procrit epoetin alfa from the Janssen Biotech Inc. unit of Johnson & Johnson. The erythropoietin (EPO) receptor agonist is under FDA review, with a decision expected Oct. 16.

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, alleges Hospira did not comply with the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (BPCIA). Amgen also alleges infringement of U.S. Patents Nos. 5,856,298 and 5,756,349 covering Epogen. ...