Teva stops selling generic Univasc

Teva has ceased its "at-risk" launch of a generic version of Schwarz' ACE-inhibitor Univasc. The company said the decision was part of an agreement with Schwarz. "Under the terms of the agreement, Teva will suspend all manufacturing and selling of its moexipril HCl tablets pending the outcome of litigation between the two companies in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey or an order of the court," a Sept. 13 1Teva press release said. A 2Schwarz press release issued Sept. 14 emphasizes there has been no settlement in the case and states, "We believe the action by Teva to remove its product from the market reflects the strength of Schwarz Pharma's patent infringement case against them, and we will continue to aggressively seek damages." Schwarz said that after Teva's announcement, which came the day a hearing on a preliminary injunction had been scheduled, the district court enjoined Teva from selling the generic. Teva launched moexipril at-risk in May 2003 following a district court decision that it did not infringe Schwarz' patent. In January, an appeals court vacated the decision, but Teva said it would continue marketing (3"The Pink Sheet" Feb. 2, 2004, In Brief)...