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GSK launches patent infringement action against Pfizer

pharmafile | November 7, 2016 | News story | Sales and Marketing Bexsero, trumenba 

GlaxoSmithKline has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against rival Pfizer over the alleged copying of its popular meningococcal group B vaccine Bexsero.

The product is going toe-to-toe with Pfizer’s Trumenba in a case originally filed on 12 October and due to be reviewed by the Commercial Court today.

Meningococcal disease is a potentially fatal bacterial infection of the bloodstream and brain and spinal cord lining. GSK’s Bexsero is currently the only vaccine against the disease available in most markets and the manufacturer is looking to push for market authorisation across the globe; GSK’s legal move represents its desire to protect the drug’s powerful market share. Demand for the product has been exceptionally high, with its sales doubling in the third-quarter of this year to generate $133 million with an annual volume of around 10 million units sold; the drug maker has nonetheless struggled to meet demand, looking for ways to increase its manufacturing capacity.

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Trumenba is designed to prevent invasive meningococcal disease caused by neisseria meningitidis serogroup B in those between the ages of 10 and 25. Originally granted FDA Accelerated Approval in October 2014, Pfizer has said that it will be defending its drug “vigorously”.

Matt Fellows

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