Pfizer Files Lawsuit over Chantix

New York, NYPfizer, the manufacturer of Chantix, has filed a lawsuit against generic drugmaker Mylan, accusing it of infringing on two patents for the anti-smoking drug.

According to The Street, the lawsuit claims that Mylan recently filed an abbreviated drug application with the US Food and Drug Administration, seeking to sell a generic version of Chantix.

"The Mylan ANDA refers to and relies upon the Chantix NDA and contains data that, according to Mylan demonstrates the bioequivalence of the Mylan Product and Chantix," the lawsuit reads.

The news source reports that Pfizer holds the patent on Chantix until 2020.

Pfizer also claims that it received a letter from Mylan in August that said the generic drugmaker had written in its FDA application that Pfizer's patents were "invalid, unenforceable or would not be infringed by the manufacture, use, or sale of the Mylan Product."

The use of Chantix has been connected with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and aggression.

Sales of the smoking cessation drug generated $700 million in revenue for Pfizer in 2008, down from $883 million in 2007, reports the news provider.