Appeals court rules in favor of Novartis; stops Teva from selling generic Famvir for now

NEWARK, N.J. Novartis has received approval from a federal appeals court to prohibit Teva from selling its generic version of the drug Famvir temporarily.

Teva announced its launch of the generic of Sept. 7; the same day the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued the order.  Teva had received a 180-day exclusivity to market the drug back in August.

Famvir had sales of around $200 million during the 12-month period that ended in June.  Novartis’ patent for the drug does not expire until 2015.