Swedish pharmaceutical company Orexo has announced plans to share its successful patent defense strategies following a milestone victory against Sun Pharmaceutical Industries in December 2024. The company will host a seminar at the Nordic Life Science Days conference in Gothenburg, Sweden, on October 13, targeting innovators, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and investors.
Patent Defense Track Record
Orexo has demonstrated a strong track record in defending its intellectual property against major generic pharmaceutical companies. The company successfully challenged Actavis/Teva in 2018 and more recently achieved victory against Sun Pharmaceutical Industries in December 2024. These legal victories have protected Orexo's commercial interests, particularly for Zubsolv, its opioid dependence treatment commercialized in the US market.
The Swedish company has developed four drugs from concept to market over its 30-year history, building extensive experience in creating robust patent strategies that support product development cycles. Total net sales in 2024 amounted to SEK 590 million, with 110 employees supporting operations.
Expert Panel Discussion
The seminar will feature key players behind Orexo's patent success, including Robert Rönn, SVP and Head of R&D at Orexo, who will discuss "Driving Innovation and Safeguarding Competitiveness through Robust IP Strategies." Stephen McNeeney, Partner and pharmaceutical patent expert at Potter Clarkson LLP, will present on "Partnering for Success - Potter Clarkson's Role in Orexo's US Market Achievements."
John Molenda, Partner at Steptoe LLP and Co-Chair of Steptoe's Healthcare & Life Sciences Practice, will address "From Groundwork to Courtroom Success." The presentations will be followed by a Q&A session where attendees can explore strategies for defending against generic litigation after US market entry.
Strategic Insights for Industry
The session aims to provide real-world insights into how companies planning to sell products in the US can build intellectual property strategies capable of successfully defending their position when challenged by generic competitors. The panel will emphasize that much of the groundwork for successful patent defense is typically laid years before reaching the US market.
Orexo's approach focuses on protecting pharmaceutical innovations through proprietary formulation technologies that address large medical needs. On the US market, the company provides treatment solutions for patients suffering from opioid use disorder, while developing and commercializing products for other therapeutic areas worldwide with leading partners.
The seminar will take place at Flow Stage between 4:30-5:30 pm CEST during the Nordic Life Science Days conference, with registration available through the conference website.
