Watson confirms Lumigan and Latisse patent challenges; favorable Sanctura ruling

US generic drugmaker Watson Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: WPI) has confirmed that its subsidiary, Watson Laboratories, has filed Abbreviated New Drug Applications with the US Food and Drug Administration seeking approval to market bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, 0.01% and bimatoprost ophthalmic solution, 0.03%.

Watson's ANDA products are generic versions of Allergan’s (NYSE: AGN) branded bimatoprost products Lumigan, indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and Latisse, for the treatment of hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth, including length, thickness and darkness.

Allergan filed suit against Watson in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas on March 23, 2012 seeking to prevent Watson from commercializing its generic version of Lumigan prior to the expiration of certain US patents. Allergan and Duke University filed suit against Watson in the US District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina on March 30, 2012 seeking to prevent Watson from commercializing its generic version of Latisse prior to the expiration of certain US patents.