Valeant Pharma Enters Into Patent Settlement Agreements With Actavis

(RTTNews) - Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (VRX, VRS.TO) announced that certain of its subsidiaries have entered into settlement agreements with affiliates of Actavis plc related to Actavis' generic versions of Acanya Gel, 1.2%/2.5%, and Tiazac ® XC.

Valeant said its subsidiaries, Dow Pharmaceuticals Sciences, Inc., Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America LLC, and Actavis' subsidiary, Watson Laboratories, Inc., entered into an agreement to settle all outstanding patent litigation related to Actavis' generic version of Acanya Gel, 1.2%/2.5%.

Acanya Gel is a lincosamide antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris, the company noted.

Under the terms of the agreement, Valeant will grant Actavis a license to market its generic Acanya Gel beginning July 1, 2018 or earlier under certain circumstances. Other details of the settlement were not disclosed.

Launch of Actavis' generic product is contingent upon Actavis receiving final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or FDA on its Abbreviated New Drug Application or ANDA for generic Acanya Gel.

Additionally, Valeant's subsidiaries, Valeant Canada L.P. and Valeant International Bermuda, and Actavis Pharma Company have entered into an agreement to settle outstanding patent litigation related to Actavis' generic version of Tiazac ® XC 180 mg/240mg/300mg/360 mg capsules.

Under the terms of the agreement, which is pending approval from the Federal Court of Canada, it will result in a stay of this application until certain events occur and a dismissal of all remaining proceedings and appeals.