Bayer sues Russian company trying to market generic Xarelto

German pharma major Bayer (BAYN: DE) has filed a lawsuit against the Russian manufacturer of generic drugs Medisorb, The Pharma Letter’s local correspondent reports.

The latter received permission to produce the drug with the international non-proprietary name (INN) rivaroxaban, marketed under the trade name Xarelto, which is protected by a Bayer patent until December 4, 2024. In this regard, the plaintiff asks the court to cancel state registration of the drug rivaroxaban Medisorb with the same active ingredient, and to stop its production, use and storage.

The drug is used to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In 2019-2020, the Russian Ministry of Health recommended it for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. According to the Russian State Register of Medicines (GRLS), Medisorb registered rivaroxaban Medisorb in July 2022. The drug certificate is valid until July 2027.