ICN Spinoff Ribapharm Sues in Patent Dispute

Ribapharm Inc. sued Hoffman-LaRoche Inc. in the Netherlands and countersued in Switzerland, raising the stakes in a patent dispute over the Costa Mesa company’s flagship drug, ribavirin.

In a press release Tuesday, Ribapharm said Hoffman-LaRoche plans to sell a rival version of ribavirin in the Netherlands as a treatment for hepatitis C and has launched a similar effort in Switzerland.

Ribapharm, which was spun off from ICN Pharmaceuticals Inc. in April, has been facing increased pressure from companies seeking marketing approval for generic versions of ribavirin. Representatives for the companies weren’t available to provide details.

Hoffman-LaRoche is a unit of Roche Holding AG.

Ribapharm shares lost 45 cents Tuesday to close at $5.35 on the New York Stock Exchange.