ELI LILLY'S 2011 ZYPREXA PATENT UPHELD IN APPEALS COURT

The Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., Dec. 26 affirmed the U.S. District Court's decision that upheld Eli Lilly and Company's Zyprexa patent expiring in 2011.

Oral arguments were heard on April 6, 2006, by the appeals court. On April 14, 2005, in the case of Eli Lilly and Company v. Zenith Goldline Pharmaceuticals et al., the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana ruled in favor of Lilly on all of the generic companies' patent challenges, including obviousness, double patenting, inequitable conduct, anticipation and public use.

"Today's appeals court ruling not only affirms the validity of our patent, but upholds patent law that helps enable the significant investments required to develop the next generation of revolutionary medicines for the patients who need them," said Sidney Taurel, Lilly chairman and CEO.