Levaquin - Big Patent Expirations of 2010

Drug: Levaquin (levofloxin)
Company: Ortho-McNeil
Indication: Infection
Patent Expiration: Dec. 20/Pediatric Exclusivity through June 20, 2011

Scoop: J&J has fought back a number of generic challengers--including Mylan, Lupin, Teva and American Pharmaceutical Partners--trying to copy its antibiotic Levaquin. Several challenged the validity of the '407 patent covering the drug--the same patent was set to expire this year until J&J got a six-month extension of its exclusivity. Last month, India's Wockhardt won tentative approval for its proposed copy and said it will launch the product immediately upon expiration of the patent June 20, 2011. The Levaquin/Floxin franchise brought in about $1.5 billion last year, according to a J&J earnings statement.