Home / Business and Economy / Judge Rules Against Liquidia in Lung Drug Patent Battle
Judge Rules Against Liquidia in Lung Drug Patent Battle
1 Oct
Summary
- Liquidia's lung drug Yutrepia infringes on United Therapeutics' patent.
- The ruling caused Liquidia shares to drop nearly 50% on Wednesday.
- United Therapeutics' Tyvaso shares saw a 12.3% jump following the decision.
On Wednesday, shares of Liquidia experienced a nearly 50% drop after a federal judge ruled that its lung drug, Yutrepia, infringes on a key patent belonging to United Therapeutics. The ruling from the US District Court for the District of Delaware determined that Yutrepia infringes two foundational claims of United Therapeutics' '327 patent, which covers methods for treating pulmonary hypertension-associated interstitial lung disease using inhaled treprostinil.
This decision significantly impacts Yutrepia's commercial outlook and strengthens the legal protections for United Therapeutics' successful drug, Tyvaso. Following the ruling, Tyvaso shares surged 12.3% to $540.54. Analysts noted that the court's denial of Liquidia's motion to dismiss evidence also negatively affected the outcome for Liquidia. Liquidia's CEO stated they respectfully disagree with the decision and plan to pursue all available appellate options, including asking the US FDA to remove Yutrepia's PH-ILD indication from its label.
