Court finds that Watson's ADHD drug patent is valid

CORONA, Calif. The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware ruled Monday that Watson Pharmaceuticals’ generic version of an ADHD drug does not infringe the branded drug maker's patent.

Watson announced the court ruling Tuesday, saying judge Joseph Farnan found that the ‘373 patent for Concerta (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets), by ALZA Corp. and McNeil-PPC, is invalid. The ruling applies to Watson’s versions of Concerta in the 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg and 54 mg strengths.

“We are very pleased that the court has ruled in our favor, and we will continue to evaluate the court’s opinion as we contemplate next steps,” Watson president and CEO Paul Bisaro said. “We are currently pursuing final FDA approval of this important product.”

The two branded companies originally sued Andrx Corp. in 2005 over the drug; Watson acquired Andrx the next year.