By Sherri Oslick —

About Court Report:  Each week we will report briefly on recently filed biotech and pharma cases.

Merck Sharp
& Dohme Corp. v. Watson Laboratories, Inc.
3:12-cv-05228;
filed August 20, 2012 in the District Court of New Jersey

Infringement
of U.S. Patent Nos. 5,571,817 ("Methods of Treating Androgenic Alopecia
with Finasteride
[17β-N-mono-substituted-carbamoyl-4-aza-5-α-androst-1-en-ones]," issued
November 5, 1996), 5,547,957 ("Method of Treating Androgenic Alopecia with
5-α Reductase Inhibitors," issued August 20, 1996), and 5,886,184 ("Finasteride
Processes," issued March 23, 1999) following a Paragraph IV certification
as part of Watson's filing of an ANDA to manufacture a generic version of Merck's
Propecia® (finasteride, used to treat androgenic alopecia).  View the complaint here.  [NB: Merck voluntarily dismissed the case
without prejudice 3 days after filing.]

Santarus,
Inc. et al. v. Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc. et al.
3:12-cv-05202;
filed August 15, 2012 in the District Court of New Jersey

• Plaintiffs:
 Santarus, Inc.; The Curators of The
University of Missouri
• Defendants:
 Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc.; Dr. Reddy's
Laboratories, Ltd.

Infringement
of U.S. Patent Nos. 6,699,885 ("Substituted Benzimidazole Dosage Forms and
Methods of Using Same," issued March 2, 2004), 6,489,346 (same title,
issued December 3, 2002), 6,645,988 (same title, issue November 11, 2003), and
7,399,772 (same title, issued July 15, 2008) following a Paragraph IV
certification as part of Dr. Reddy's filing of an ANDA to manufacture a generic
version of Santarus' Zegerid® (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, used to treat
heartburn and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux
disease).  View the complaint here.