Mixed news for Astellas regarding Lexiscan patent dispute

Astellas Pharma (TYO: 4503) saw its share gain 1.6% in early trading, though it later drifted back, as it revealed it has won a reprieve in its patent dispute with generics and biosimilar injectables specialist Hospira (NYSE: HSP), albeit just short term.

The Japanese drug major confirmed that the District Court for the District of Delaware’s order granted an interim injunction enjoining Hospira from launching its generic version of Lexiscan (regadenoson injection), diagnostic tool for coronary artery disease, until October 5, 2022.

However, the District Court denied Astellas’ request for a preliminary injunction while Astellas’ appeal is pending with the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC). Astellas is filing a Motion for Preliminary Injunction with the CAFC to prevent Hospira from launching generic Lexiscan until the CAFC resolves Astellas’ pending appeal of the district court decision.