21.03.2022 • News • Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) • AstraZeneca

BMS Sues Astra Zeneca in Cancer Drug Patent Row

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) is suing AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, alleging that the Anglo-Swedish drugmaker’ Imfinzi to treat lung and bladder cancer infringes several patents related to its blockbuster Opdivo.

The patent dispute is being heard by a federal court in the US state of Delaware. News agency reports said BMS Is seeking financial damages of an undisclosed amount. Neither company has commented on the litigation.

The New York drugmaker’s immunotherapy patents relate to a monoclonal antibody used to destroy cancer cells. Opdivo is used to treat cancers of the lung and bladder as well as melanoma and Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission quoted by Reuters, BMS took in worldwide sales of more than $7.5 billion from Opdivo in 2021. AstraZeneca reported sales of more than $2.4 billion for Imfinzi the same year.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist

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