Hycamtin - Big Patent Expirations of 2010

Drug: Hycamtin
Company: GlaxoSmithKline
Indication: Ovarian and small-cell lung cancer
Expiration Date: May 28/Pediatric Exclusivity through Nov. 28

Summary: The '758 patent covering Hycamtin enjoys pediatric exclusivity until November. However, according to the Drugs@FDA website, no generic company has tentative approval for Hycamtin, which is used to treat ovarian and small-cell lung cancer. The product had sales of $72 million in 2009, according to a GSK earnings statement. Teva has tried to get samples of the drug to see if it can make a copy, but GSK has refused. The FTC said last fall it would look into to see whether GSK's actions unfairly thwart competition.