Generics briefs: Actavis/Warner Chilcott M&A delay; Canasa patent challenge

US generics major Actavis (NYSE: ACT) and Ireland-based Warner Chilcott (Nasdaq: WCRX) have each received a request for additional information from the US Federal Trade Commission in connection with Actavis' pending $8.5 billion acquisition of Warner Chilcott (The Pharma Letter May 20). The information request was issued under notification requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (HSR Act).

The effect of the second request is to extend the waiting period imposed by the HSR Act until 30 days after the two companies have substantially complied with the request, unless that period is extended voluntarily by the parties or terminated sooner by the FTC. Actavis and Warner Chilcott intend to cooperate fully with the FTC's review and continue to expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2013. No further details were revealed.

Mylan sued by Aptalis relating to Canasa ANDA