Teva/Pfizer settle Neurontin suit

Teva Pharmaceutical has announced it has settled a patent dispute with Pfizer concerning generic versions of Pfizer's Neurontin (gabapentin) – a drug marketed for pain management and the treatment of epilepsy.

The Israel-based generic manufacturer said litigation related to capsules and tablets sold by the company and its subsidiary Ivax Pharmaceuticals has been 'dismissed' by United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in accordance with a settlement reached between the two parties.

Teva did not reveal financial details of the settlement, but reports have suggested it is less than $100m.

Pfizer had filed litigation claiming that Teva's generic version infringed a patent that expires in 2017, with the US-based drugmaker seeking compensation for profit lost due to competition.

A generic gabapentin was launched by Ivax in 2004. Teva later purchased Ivax in 2006.