J&J appeals district court decision invalidating Zytiga patent

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) on Oct. 31 filed to appeal a district court decision that will permit generic versions of prostate cancer drug Zytiga abiraterone acetate to launch after Oct. 31, according to company spokesperson Caroline Pavis. The ruling, from the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, invalidated all 20 claims of U.S. Patent No. 8,822,438, which covers compositions and methods for treating prostate cancer with Zytiga in combination with at least one other therapy.

J&J said, "commercial launch of generic abiraterone acetate prior to the outcome of the appeals would be considered an at-risk launch." In its Oct. 31 10-Q, the pharma said the district court extended an injunction prohibiting the launch of generics. The extension extends to the earlier of Nov. 9 "or until the Federal Court renders a decision on a stay pending appeal."...