Mylan, Glaxo settle Paxil CR patent fight

Last Updated: 2007-10-23 9:01:10 -0400 (Reuters Health)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Generic drugmakerMylan Laboratories Inc has settled patent litigation with GlaxoSmithKline Plc over Glaxo's Paxil CR anti-depressant, Mylan said on Tuesday.

Mylan will get patent licenses and the right to market generic versions of all three dosage strengths of the drug beginning no later than Oct. 1, 2008.

All litigation between the companies over Paxil CR will be dismissed, Mylan said.

The drug, known generically as paroxetine hydrochloride extended-release tablets, had U.S. sales of $342 million for the year through June, Mylan said.

Mylan is eligible to sell the lone generic of the drug for 180 days for two of the dosage strengths. Such exclusivity periods are granted to encourage generic drugmakers to challenge weak patents.