Novartis Wins Ruling in Augmentin Dispute

Novartis, Switzerland’s largest drug maker, won a U.S. trade panel ruling in a dispute over patents for GlaxoSmithKline’s Augmentin antibiotic.

A U.S. International Trade Commission judge dismissed a Glaxo complaint that sought to block imports of generic versions of Augmentin.

The ruling, which is subject to approval by the full commission, allows Novartis’ Geneva Pharmaceuticals to continue U.S. sales of generic Augmentin.

Augmentin, Glaxo’s second-biggest product with about $2 billion in annual sales, has lost market share since a U.S. district judge invalidated patents for the product in May.

Shares of Basel, Switzerland-based Novartis fell 25 cents to $38.90 on the NYSE, while shares of Brentford, England-based Glaxo fell 35 cents to $38.40, also on the NYSE.