Judge wipes out Biogen's Tecfidera patent protections in suit against Mylan

In the high-stakes patent fight between Biogen and Mylan over Tecfidera’s main remaining patent, Mylan has scored a major win in federal court. U.S. District Judge Irene Keeley said Mylan “demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence” that certain claims of Biogen’s '514 patent are invalid for “lack of written description.” The decision threatens Biogen’s bestselling medicine with early generics; Tecfidera, a multiple sclerosis drug, generated $3.3 billion in the U.S. last year. The company's '514 patent is set to expire in 2028, meaning the decision, if upheld, could wipe out years of monopoly sales. Biogen’s shares were down about 6% on Thursday morning on the news. A spokesman said the company is disappointed with the decision and will appeal.