Monday, May 5, 2003

IN BRIEF: GLAXOSMITHKLINE PLC

GlaxoSmithKline Plc said a U.S. District Court in Chicago ruled in its favor regarding pharmaceutical brand name patent litigation for the antibiotic Ceftin (cefuroxime). Judge Robert Gettleman said the two patents in question were valid, thereby blocking Apotex Inc.'s planned generic launch of the product. The patents expire in July. Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. already markets a generic version of Ceftin, but GSK has filed suit against Ranbaxy, as well.