TEANECK, N.J., Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Eisai Co., Ltd. and Eisai Inc. (Headquarters: New Jersey, Chairman and CEO: Hajime Shimizu) today announce the filing of a patent infringement lawsuit against Teva* regarding its submission of an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) to the FDA for Aricept(R) (Active Ingredient Name: donepezil hydrochloride). Eisai's action was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark.
Eisai believes that its donepezil composition of matter patent is valid until its expiration date of November 25, 2010. Eisai intends to vigorously enforce and defend that patent.
Aricept(R), a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor developed by Eisai Co., Ltd. in Japan, increases the concentration of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Aricept(R) is currently indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and is marketed in 76 countries worldwide.
Eisai's corporate human health care (hhc) mission is to give first thought to patients and their families, and to increasing the benefits that health care provides. The company believes that increasing patient satisfaction through the development of innovative new medicines exemplifies its important mission.
About Aricept(R)
Aricept(R) is well tolerated but not for everyone. Common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, not sleeping well, muscle cramps, feeling tired or not feeling hungry. In studies, these were usually mild and temporary. Some people may experience fainting. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse.
* Teva Pharmaceuticals USA (Headquarters: Pennsylvania) and its parent
company Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (Headquarters: Israel)
Eisai Co., Ltd.; Eisai Inc.CONTACT: Cathy Pollini of Eisai Inc., +1-201-287-2052
