Lilly prevails in Alimta patent infringement appeal

US pharma major Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) today announced a positive result in its ongoing patent infringement dispute with Israel-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE: TEVA).

The US federal appeals court ruling upheld an earlier decision at the district court level, which determined that Teva’s proposed generic products would constitute an infringement on Lilly's vitamin regimen patent for Alimta (pemetrexed for injection).

Alimta is Lilly’s best-selling oncology product, accounting for sales of $1.74 billion in the first three quarters of last year,  and for 11% of the company’s total revenue.