Patent Docs: Ranbaxy and GlaxoSmithKline Settle Valtrex� Litigation

Patent Docs: Ranbaxy and GlaxoSmithKline Settle Valtrex� Litigation: "Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. announced today (July 26, 2007) that it had reached an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline in which GlaxoSmithKline would dismiss its patent infringement suit against Ranbaxy. GlaxoSmithKline had asserted its U.S. Patent No. 4,957,924, directed to Valacyclovir Hydrochloride, against Ranbaxy, which received final approval to market a generic version of the drug from the FDA in early February 2007. GlaxoSmithKline markets Valacyclovir Hydrochloride tablets under the trademark Valtrex�. Valtrex�, which is used to treat herpes virus infection, has total annual sales of $1.3 billion. Under the agreement, Ranbaxy will enter the U.S. market in late 2009 and will receive a license to GlaxoSmithKline's U.S. Patent Nos. 5,879,706 and 6,107,302."