Teva files new Copaxone lawsuit against Mylan

Israel-based drug maker says company infringing on four patents related to its multiple sclerosis medication

Associated Press|Published: 09.23.10 , 09:25

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. said Tuesday it is filing a second lawsuit against Mylan Inc., which is trying to launch a generic version of Teva's multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone.

Teva said its lawsuit filed in US District Court in New York asserts Mylan is infringing on four patents related to Copaxone. The last expires in February 2020. Teva first sued Mylan in October 2009 to block Mylan from selling its version of the drug. It alleged Mylan was infringing on seven patents, and said Copaxone has patent protection through May 2014.

Teva, based in Israel, is the world's largest generic drug maker, but Copaxone is a brand name product and one of its biggest sources of revenue. Mylan, based in Canonsburg, Pa., is one of Teva's biggest rivals. .