Vivus Says Drug-Patent Licenser Drops Suit

Vivus Inc. said the group that licensed the patent to it for its impotence drug has dropped a lawsuit alleging Vivus defrauded the group during licensing negotiations. The licensers alleged in their suit, filed in Texas, that they were defrauded during the negotiations that led to a new license agreement between the group and Vivus in December 1992, the company said. Vivus, based in Menlo Park, said the group agreed to drop the lawsuit and will continue to receive royalties under the 1992 agreement. Vivus’ main product is an impotence treatment called Muse. Vivus shares gained $1.75 to close at $34.375 on Nasdaq.