Augmentin patent ruling
Executive Summary
Four generic versions of Augmentin will remain on the market following a Federal Circuit decision that affirmed a ruling invalidating GlaxoSmithKline's patents for nonstatutory double patenting. Novartis' Geneva division launched the first generic version of the antibiotic in June 2002. Ranbaxy, Teva and Novartis' Lek division also market generic amoxicillin/clavulanate. Novartis has been placing Geneva's earnings from the generic in reserve in case the company lost the appeal (1"The Pink Sheet" Aug. 5, 2002, p. 35)...