Case 1:15-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 1 of 14 PageID #: 1 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE

Transcription

1 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 1 of 14 PageID # 1 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE NOVARTIS PHARMACEUTICALS CORPORATION, NOVARTIS AG, NOVARTIS PHARMA AG and LTS LOHMANN THERAPIE-SYSTEME AG, v. Plaintiffs, AMNEAL PHARMACEUTICALS LLC, AMNEAL PHARMACEUTICALS OF NEW YORK, LLC and AMNEAL PHARMACEUTICALS CO. INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, Defendants. X X C.A. No. COMPLAINT FOR PATENT INFRINGEMENT Plaintiffs Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Novartis AG, Novartis Pharma AG and LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG, for their Complaint against defendants Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC ( Amneal Pharma ), Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York, LLC ( Amneal NY ) and Amneal Pharmaceuticals Co. India Private Limited ( Amneal India ) (collectively Amneal or Defendants ) allege as follows NATURE OF ACTION 1. This is an action for patent infringement. PARTIES 2. Plaintiff Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation ( NPC ) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, having a principal place of business at 59 Route 10, East Hanover, New Jersey

2 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 2 of 14 PageID # 2 3. Plaintiff Novartis AG ( Novartis AG ) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Switzerland, having an office and place of business at Lichtstrasse 35, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland. 4. Plaintiff Novartis Pharma AG ( Pharma AG ) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Switzerland, having an office and place of business at Lichtstrasse 35, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland. 5. Plaintiff LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG ( LTS ) is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Germany, having an office and place of business at Lohmannstraße 2, D Andernach, Germany. 6. On information and belief, defendant Amneal Pharma is a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware with a principal place of business at 400 Crossing Boulevard, Third Floor, Bridgewater, New Jersey On information and belief, defendant Amneal NY is a limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, with a principal place of business located at 85 Adams Avenue, Hauppauge, NY On information and belief, defendant Amneal India is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of India, having a principal place of business at 882/1-871, Village Rajorda, Near Hotel Kankavati, Bavla Taluka, Ahmedabad , Gujarat, India. 9. On information and belief, Amneal NY is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amneal Pharma. 10. On information and belief, Amneal India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amneal Pharma. 2

3 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 3 of 14 PageID # On information and belief, Amneal Pharma, Amneal NY and Amneal India assisted in and acted collaboratively in the preparation and submission of ANDA no On information and belief, Amneal Pharma s preparation and submission of ANDA no was done for the benefit of and on behalf of Amneal NY and Amneal India. 12. On information and belief, with respect to the activities alleged in this complaint, Amneal Pharma, Amneal NY and Amneal India acted in concert with each other as arms of the same business group, and/or on each other s behalf such that such activities are attributed to all defendants for purposes of establishing personal jurisdiction. 13. On information and belief, Amneal, either directly or through one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries and/or agents, develops, manufactures, distributes, markets, offers to sell, and sells generic drug products for sales and use throughout the United States, including in Delaware. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 14. This action arises under the patent laws of the United States of America. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this action under 28 U.S.C. 1331, 1338(a), 2201 and On information and belief, Amneal Pharma is a Delaware limited liability company registered with the Delaware Department of State, Division of Corporations, under file number On information and belief, Amneal Pharma maintains a registered agent for service of process in Delaware, the Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware,

4 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 4 of 14 PageID # On information and belief, Amneal Pharma is a generic pharmaceutical company in the business of marketing and distributing generic drug products. On information and belief, Amneal Pharma, directly and through its affiliates, markets and sells drug products in Delaware and throughout the United States. 18. On information and belief, Amneal prepared and filed ANDA No with the intention of seeking to market a generic version of Plaintiffs Exelon Patch products throughout the United States, including in Delaware. 19. On information and belief, Amneal Pharma holds a Delaware pharmacy wholesale license (No. A ) and a Delaware controlled substances distributor/manufacturer license (No. DM ). 20. On information and belief, Amneal Pharma has availed itself of this Court s jurisdiction by filing counterclaims in this District, and has previously been sued in this district and has not challenged personal jurisdiction. See, e.g., Endo Pharms. Inc. v. Amneal Pharms., LLC, 114-cv-1382-RGA (D. Del.); Forest Labs., Inc. v. Amneal Pharms., LLC, 114- cv-508-lps (D. Del.). 21. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Amneal Pharma by virtue of, among other things its formation under Delaware law; its registration to do business in Delaware, including appointment of a registered agent for service of process; its sale and distribution of generic drugs in Delaware; its course of conduct that is designed to cause the performance of the tortious act of patent infringement that has led to foreseeable harm and injury to Plaintiff NPC, which is a Delaware corporation; its purposeful availment of this forum previously; and its consent to the Court s jurisdiction in other patent litigations. 4

5 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 5 of 14 PageID # On information and belief, Amneal NY is a Delaware limited liability company registered with the Delaware Department of State, Division of Corporations, under file number On information and belief, Amneal NY maintains a registered agent for service of process in Delaware, the Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware, On information and belief, Amneal NY is a generic pharmaceutical company in the business of marketing and distributing generic drug products. On information and belief, Amneal NY, directly and through its affiliates, markets and sells drug products in Delaware and throughout the United States. 25. On information and belief, Amneal NY holds a Delaware pharmacy wholesale license (Nos. A and A ) and a Delaware controlled substances distributor/manufacturer license (Nos. DM and DM ). 26. On information and belief, Amneal NY has availed itself of this Court s jurisdiction by filing counterclaims in this district, and has previously been sued in this district and has not challenged personal jurisdiction. See, e.g., Forest Labs., Inc. v. Amneal Pharms. LLC, et al., 14-cv LPS (D. Del.). 27. On information and belief, Amneal Pharma, Amneal NY and Amneal India collaborate to develop, manufacture, import, market, distribute, and/or sell pharmaceutical products (including generic drug products manufactured and sold pursuant to ANDAs) throughout the United States, including the State of Delaware. 28. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Amneal NY by virtue of, among other things its formation under Delaware law; its registration to do business in Delaware, 5

6 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 6 of 14 PageID # 6 including appointment of a registered agent for service of process; its sale and distribution of generic drugs in Delaware; its course of conduct that is designed to cause the performance of the tortious act of patent infringement that has led to foreseeable harm and injury to Plaintiff NPC, which is a Delaware corporation; its purposeful availment of this forum previously; and its consent to the Court s jurisdiction in other patent litigation. 29. On information and belief, Amneal India is a generic pharmaceutical company in the business of researching, developing, marketing, and/or distributing generic drug products. On information and belief, Amneal India, directly and through its affiliates, markets and sells drug products in Delaware and throughout the United States. 30. On information and belief, Amneal India regularly does or solicits business in Delaware, engages in other persistent courses of conduct in Delaware, and/or derives substantial revenue from services or things used or consumed in Delaware, demonstrating that Amneal India has continuous and systematic contacts with Delaware. 31. On information and belief, Amneal Pharma, Amneal NY and Amneal India collaborate to develop, manufacture, import, market, distribute, and/or sell pharmaceutical products (including generic drug products manufactured and sold pursuant to ANDAs) throughout the United States, including the State of Delaware. 32. This Court has personal jurisdiction over Amneal India by virtue of, among other things the activities of Amneal Pharma and Amneal NY alleged herein, which are attributable to Amneal India for purposes of establishing personal jurisdiction, and Amneal India s participation in the research, development, marketing, sale, and/or distribution of generic drugs in Delaware. 6

7 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 7 of 14 PageID # For these reasons, and for other reasons that will be presented to the Court if jurisdiction is challenged, the Court has personal jurisdiction over Amneal. 34. Venue is proper in this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391(b) and (c) and 28 U.S.C. 1400(b). CLAIM FOR RELIEF PATENT INFRINGEMENT 35. Plaintiff NPC holds an approved new drug application ( NDA ) No for Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system or extended release film) (4.6 mg/24 hr, 9.5 mg/24 hr and 13.3 mg/24 hr dosage strengths), which patch contains the active ingredient rivastigmine. Exelon Patch (4.6 mg/24 hr and 9.5 mg/24 hr dosage strengths) was approved by the FDA on July 6, 2007, and Exelon Patch (13.3 mg/24 hr dosage strength) was approved by the FDA on August 31, Exelon Patch is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer s type and mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson s disease. Exelon Patch (4.6 mg/24 hr, 9.5 mg/24 hr, and 13.3 mg/24 hr dosage strengths) is sold in the United States by Plaintiff NPC. 36. Rivastigmine is known chemically as (S)-N-ethyl-3-[(1- dimethylamino)ethyl]-n-methylphenyl-carbamate. 37. Plaintiffs Novartis AG and LTS are the owners of United States Letters Patent No. 6,316,023 ( the 023 patent ). The 023 patent was duly and legally issued on November 13, The 023 patent claims pharmaceutical compositions, inter alia, comprising 1 to 40 weight percent of (S)-N-ethyl-3-[(1-dimethylamino)ethyl]-N-methylphenylcarbamate in the form of a free base or acid addition salt, 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent of an antioxidant, and a diluent or carrier, wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of 7

8 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 8 of 14 PageID # 8 the pharmaceutical composition, as well as transdermal devices. A true copy of the 023 patent is attached hereto as Exhibit A. 39. Plaintiffs Novartis AG and LTS are the owners of United States Letters Patent No. 6,335,031 ( the 031 patent ). The 031 patent was duly and legally issued on January 1, The 031 patent claims pharmaceutical compositions, inter alia, comprising (a) a therapeutically effective amount of (S)-N-ethyl-3-[(1-dimethylamino)ethyl]-Nmethylphenyl-carbamate in free base or acid addition salt form; (b) about 0.01 to about 0.5 percent by weight of an antioxidant, based on the weight of the composition, and (c) a diluent or carrier, as well as transdermal devices and methods of stabilizing (S)-N-ethyl-3-[(1- dimethylamino)ethyl]-n-methylphenyl-carbamate in free base or acid addition salt form. A true copy of the 031 patent is attached hereto as Exhibit B. 41. The 023 and 031 patents were initially assigned to Novartis AG and LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG, which subsequently changed its legal form to become Plaintiff LTS. 42. On information and belief, Amneal submitted to the FDA an abbreviated new drug application ( ANDA ) under the provisions of 21 U.S.C. 355(j) seeking approval to engage in the commercial manufacture, use, and sale of a rivastigmine transdermal system, 4.6 mg/24 hr, 9.5 mg/24 hr, and 13.3 mg/24 hr dosage strengths ( Amneal s ANDA Products ) before the expiration of the 023 and 031 patents. 43. On information and belief, Amneal made and included in its ANDA a certification under 21 U.S.C. 355(j)(2)(A)(vii)(IV) that, in its opinion and to the best of its 8

9 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 9 of 14 PageID # 9 knowledge, the 023 and 031 patents are invalid. Amneal did not allege that any of the 023 or 031 patent claims were unenforceable or not infringed. 44. Plaintiffs received written notification of Amneal s ANDA and its accompanying 21 U.S.C. 355(j)(2)(A)(vii)(IV) certification by a letter dated September 25, 2015 ( Notice Letter ). 45. This action was commenced within 45 days of receipt of Amneal s Notice Letter. 46. By filing its ANDA under 21 U.S.C. 355(j) for the purpose of obtaining approval to engage in the commercial manufacture, use, or sale of Amneal s ANDA Products before the expiration of the 023 and 031 patents, Amneal has committed an act of infringement under 35 U.S.C. 271(e)(2). 47. On information and belief, when Amneal filed its ANDA, it was aware of the 023 and 031 patents and that the filing of its ANDA with the request for its approval prior to the expiration of the 023 and 031 patents was an act of infringement of those patents. 48. On information and belief, the commercial manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale, and/or importation of Amneal s ANDA Products will infringe and/or induce infringement of one or more claims of the 023 and 031 patents. 49. On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will comprise a pharmaceutical composition. Amneal, in its Notice Letter, did not deny that its ANDA Products, if approved, will contain a pharmaceutical composition. 50. On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will be transdermal devices. Amneal, in its Notice Letter, did not deny that its ANDA Products, if approved, will be transdermal devices. 9

10 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 10 of 14 PageID # On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising (S)-N-ethyl-3-[(1-dimethylamino)ethyl]-Nmethylphenyl-carbamate in the form of a free base ( rivastigmine ). On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising 1 to 40 weight percent of rivastigmine, wherein the weight percent is based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical composition. On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of rivastigmine. Amneal, in its Notice Letter, did not deny that its ANDA Products, if approved, will contain rivastigmine or the claimed amounts of rivastigmine. 52. On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will contain an antioxidant. Amneal, in its Notice Letter, did not deny that its ANDA Products, if approved, will contain an antioxidant. 53. On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent of an antioxidant wherein the weight percent is based on the total weight of the pharmaceutical composition. On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising about 0.01 to about 0.5 percent by weight of an antioxidant, based on the weight of the pharmaceutical composition. In its Notice Letter, Amneal did not deny on this basis that, if approved, its ANDA Products will infringe. 54. On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will comprise a pharmaceutical composition comprising a diluent or carrier. Amneal Pharma, in its Notice Letter, did not deny that its ANDA Products, if approved, will contain a diluent or carrier. 10

11 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 11 of 14 PageID # On information and belief, Amneal s ANDA Products, if approved, will contain an amount of antioxidant effective to stabilize rivastigmine from oxidative degradation. In its Notice Letter, Amneal did not deny on this basis that, if approved, its ANDA Products will infringe. 56. On information and belief, Amneal, if its ANDA Products are approved, will practice a method of forming a composition by combining rivastigmine with an antioxidant. In its Notice Letter, Amneal did not deny on this basis that, if approved, its ANDA Products will infringe. 57. On information and belief, the commercial manufacture of Amneal s ANDA Products will involve direct infringement of the 023 patent. On information and belief, this will occur at Amneal s active behest, and with Amneal s intent, knowledge, and encouragement. On information and belief, Amneal will actively induce, encourage, and abet this infringement with knowledge that it is in contravention of the rights under the 023 patent. 58. On information and belief, the commercial manufacture of Amneal s ANDA Products will involve direct infringement of the 031 patent. On information and belief, this will occur at Amneal s active behest, and with Amneal s intent, knowledge, and encouragement. On information and belief, Amneal will actively induce, encourage, and abet this infringement with knowledge that it is in contravention of the rights under the 031 patent. 59. Plaintiffs are entitled to the relief provided by 35 U.S.C. 271(e)(4), including an order of this Court that the effective date of any approval of the aforementioned ANDA relating to Amneal s ANDA Products be a date that is not earlier than January 8, 2019, the expiration date of the 023 and 031 patents, and an award of damages for any commercial sale or use of Amneal s ANDA Products and any act committed by Amneal with respect to the 11

12 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 12 of 14 PageID # 12 subject matter claimed in the 023 and 031 patents, which act is not within the limited exclusions of 35 U.S.C. 271(e)(1). 60. On information and belief, Amneal has taken and continues to take active steps towards the commercial manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale, and/or importation of Amneal s ANDA Products, including seeking approval of that product under Amneal s ANDA. 61. There is a substantial and immediate controversy between Plaintiffs and Amneal concerning the 023 and 031 patents. Plaintiffs are entitled to declaratory judgment under 28 U.S.C and 2202 that Amneal will infringe and/or induce infringement of one or more claims of the 023 and 031 patents. PRAYER FOR RELIEF WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully request the following relief A. Judgment that Amneal has infringed and induced infringement of one or more claims of the 023 and 031 patents by filing the aforesaid ANDA relating to Amneal s rivastigmine transdermal system, 4.6 mg/24 hr, 9.5 mg/24 hr, and 13.3 mg/24 hr dosage strengths; B. A permanent injunction restraining and enjoining Amneal and its officers, agents, attorneys and employees, and those acting in privity or concert with it, from engaging in the commercial manufacture, use, offer to sell, or sale within the United States, or importation into the United States, of a rivastigmine transdermal system, 4.6 mg/24 hr, 9.5 mg/24 hr, and 13.3 mg/24 hr dosage strengths, as claimed in the 023 and 031 patents; C. An order that the effective date of any approval of the aforementioned ANDA relating to Amneal s rivastigmine transdermal system, 4.6 mg/24 hr, 9.5 mg/24 hr, and 12

13 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 13 of 14 PageID # mg/24 hr dosage strengths, be a date that is not earlier than the expiration of the right of exclusivity under the 023 and 031 patents; D. Declaratory judgment that the commercial manufacture, use, offer for sale, sale, and/or importation of Amneal s rivastigmine transdermal system, 4.6 mg/24 hr, 9.5 mg/24 hr, and 13.3 mg/24 hr dosage strengths, will infringe one or more claims of the 023 and 031 patents and that Amneal will induce infringement of one or more claims of the 023 and 031 patents; E. Damages from Amneal for the infringement and inducement of infringement of the 023 and 031 patents; F. The costs and reasonable attorney fees of Plaintiffs in this action; and G. Such other and further relief as the Court may deem just and proper. Dated November 5, 2015 McCARTER & ENGLISH, LLP /s/ Daniel M. Silver Michael P. Kelly (#2295) Daniel M. Silver (#4758) Benjamin A. Smyth (#5528) Renaissance Centre 405 N. King Street, 8th Floor Wilmington, Delaware (302) mkelly@mccarter.com dsilver@mccarter.com bsmyth@mccarter.com Attorneys for Plaintiffs 13

14 Case 115-cv UNA Document 1 Filed 11/05/15 Page 14 of 14 PageID # 14 OF COUNSEL Nicholas N. Kallas Christopher E. Loh Charlotte Jacobsen FITZPATRICK, CELLA, HARPER & SCINTO 1290 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY (212)