MSD wins injunction over Indian generic drugmaker

Merck & Co (MSD) has won an injunction against India's Aprica Pharmaceuticals, which was issued by the Delhi High Court. This means Aprica will not be allowed to launch generic versions of two MSD diabetes drugs in India.

While the two drugs have not been identified, an MSD spokesperson confirmed that the company "received an ex-parte injunction against ApricaPharmaceuticals".

"I am of the view that in case ex parte injunction is not granted to the plaintiff (MSD) and defendant (Aprica) is able to launch the product, irreparable loss and injury would be caused to the plaintiff which cannot be compensated in terms of money..."

"Till the next date of hearing, defendant, its directors, employees, officers, servants, agents are restrained from selling, distributing, advertising, exporting, offering for sale and in any other manner, directly or indirectly, dealing in any product that infringes the subject matter of the plaintiffs."

Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva of the Delhi High Court said.

Approximately 65 million people use type 2 diabetes treatments in India. There have been a number of patent disputes between global pharma companies and Indian generic drugmakers recently.

The court has issued a notice to Aprica and posted the matter for August 13th 2013.