TARO CHALLENGES NOVARTIS' TRILEPTAL PATENT

Taro Pharmaceutical Industries has filed an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for oxcarbazepine tablets, the company announced Sept. 8. Oxcarbazepine, an antiepileptic medication for treating seizures, is currently sold by Novartis as Trileptal.

The ANDA for the 150-, 300- and 600-mg dosages of the drug challenges the patent on Novartis's Trileptal. Norvartis, which has filed suit to protect its patent, reported U.S. sales of the drug were $115 million in 2005.