Celltrion files IPR against Genentech

Celltrion Inc. (KOSDAQ:068270) filed an inter partes review (IPR) petition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office challenging a patent from the Genentech Inc. unit of Roche (SIX:ROG; OTCQX:RHHBY) that covers methods of using CD20 inhibitor Rituxan rituximab to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients that do not respond to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha inhibitors.

In the petition, Celltrion alleged that all 14 claims of U.S. Patent No. 7,976,838 are unpatentable on grounds of obviousness. The patent was issued in 2011. Celltrion did not respond to inquiries; Genentech declined to discuss pending litigation, and was not able to confirm the patent's expiration date. ...