Watson temporarily restrained from marketing generic Lovenox; challenges Pfizer's Embeda patent

The US District of Massachusetts has granted a request by Momenta Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: MNTA) and partner Sandoz (the generics unit of Swiss drug major Novartis; NOVN: VX) for a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing Watson Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: WPI) and Amphastar Pharmaceuticals from marketing or selling Amphastar's enoxaparin sodium injection product, a generic equivalent to French major Sanofi’s (Euronext: SAN) Lovenox enoxaparin).

The temporary order expires on October 21, 2011. In entering the TRO, the court made no finding concerning plaintiffs' likelihood of success on the merits of their claim. A hearing on Momenta and Sandoz's motion for a preliminary injunction is expected to be held on October 20. Watson expects to launch the product during the fourth quarter of 2011 if the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction is denied.

Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin indicated in the prophylaxis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and prophylaxis of ischemic complications in unstable angina and non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.