Theravance, Viatris Seek to Block Copies of COPD Drug

Theravance Biopharma and Viatris have alleged that multiple drugmakers infringed on their patent protections for Yupelri (revefenacin) — a long-acting bronchodilator used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — by developing generic versions of the drug.

In the complaint filed last week in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, Theravance and Viatris said that numerous companies — including Aurobindo Pharma, Accord Healthcare, Mankind Pharma, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Orbicular Pharmaceutical Technologies and Cipla — all ran afoul of Yupelri patent protections by filing individual abbreviated new drug applications with the FDA.

The plaintiffs are seeking injunctions against the generics makers barring them from marketing alternatives to Yupelri until the expiration of patent protections, as well as damages.