Momenta Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday responded to a federal lawsuit filed by sanofi-aventis that seeks to block it and partner Novartis from launching a generic version of Lovenox, noting that it "believes that sanofi-aventis' claims are without merit" and will "vigorously oppose the lawsuit." Momenta added that the court did not place any restrictions on the sale of the drug, which it has begun to ship.

The French drugmaker requested that the US District Court for the District of Columbia place a temporary restraining order on Novartis' and Momenta's version of the drug, and filed a preliminary injunction that would require the FDA to withdraw its approval.

Wedbush Securities analyst Duane Nash commented that sanofi-aventis' bid to gain a preliminary injunction has little chance at succeeding, citing the court's refusal to prevent sale of the generic ahead of an August 17 hearing for his opinion.

Reference Articles

Momenta off as sanofi seeks to thwart rival Lovenox - (CNN Money)

Momenta, Novartis slide on sanofi lawsuit - (MarketWatch)

Momenta Pharmaceuticals provides update regarding generic Lovenox litigation - (Momenta Pharmaceuticals)