Sanofi and Lilly Settle Lantus Patent Row

France’s Sanofi and US drugmaker Eli Lilly have resolved their patent dispute over insulin drugs.

The settlement announced this week ends a US lawsuit brought by the French producer of Lantus SoloSTAR (insulin glargine) in response to its US rival’s pursuit of regulatory approval for a competitive product. The two companies also agreed to discontinue similar disputes worldwide.

As part of the agreement, Lilly will pay royalties to Sanofi in exchange for a license to certain Sanofi patents and will not sell its insulin glargine product on the US market before Dec.15, 2016. The agreement does not extend to Lantus (vial), Toujeo or combination products.