Dr Reddy's Zoloft generic case dismissed in USA

India-headquartered Dr Reddy's Laboratories says that a District Court for the state of New Jersey, USA, has declined to hear the company's suit seeking a judgement that would allow it to market a generic version of Pfizer's antidepressant Zoloft (sertraline).

Dr Reddy's filed an application for approval of the compound with the US Food and Drug Administration in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablet forms, and was seeking a decision on whether its generic version infringed Pfizer's branded product after the latter firm failed to lodge a suit against it within the 45-day period granted under current regulations.

The case was dismissed on the basis that Pfizer required more time to examine if an infringement had taken place. Dr Reddy's responded by saying that it intended to provide Pfizer with whatever information it needed and, if necessary, renew its suit thereafter.