Somaxon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Faces Swift Attacks from Generics
Just eight months after launching its first commercial drug, Somaxon Pharmaceuticals is facing a barrage from generic drugmakers hoping to capitalize on the San Diego company’s success.
Four companies have asked the Food and Drug Administration for permission to sell lower-cost generic versions of Somaxon’s Silenor, a sleeping pill designed to help people stay asleep throughout the night in addition to making them fall asleep immediately.
They based their requests on challenges of nine patents that should protect Silenor’s place in the market through 2027.