Regeneron Antitrust Suit Against Novartis Gains Momentum with Appellate Ruling

1. In March 2024, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals advanced their antitrust lawsuit against Novartis with support from the US appeals court.
2. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan ruled that the lower court judge applied incorrect legal standards when dismissing Regeneron's claims against Novartis.
3. The lawsuit concerns competition between Regeneron's Eylea and Novartis's Lucentis, two drugs used to treat conditions leading to eye disorders.
4. Regeneron claimed that Novartis conspired with Vetter Pharma to delay the release of Regeneron's eye medication; this accusation led to the initial filing of the suit in 2020.
5. Novartis had earlier sued Regeneron for patent infringement regarding the disputed eye treatment.
6. Regeneron asserted that Novartis is "unlawfully asserting an invalid and unenforceable patent".
7. In 2022, a federal judge initially ruled that Regeneron did not establish sufficient evidence to prove Novartis violated antitrust policies, but the appellate court reversed this decision in March 2024.
8. Both companies provided statements, with Regeneron expressing encouragement at the appellate ruling and Novartis stating disappointment while maintaining confidence in the absence of merit in Regeneron's claims.