EPO rules in favor of Exelixis on patent covering Cabometyx

Exelixis announced it has successfully defended European Patent number EP2593090 (c-MET Modulator Pharmaceutical Compositions) against three opponents, STADA Arzneimittel AG, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Generics (U.K.) Ltd. in a hearing before the Opposition Division of the European Patent Office (EPO). The three-member panel of the Opposition Division rejected all grounds of opposition, thus upholding the patent as granted. The patent at issue, which expires on July 18, 2031, covers tablet formulations of cabozantinib, including the tablet formulation approved as CABOMETYX(R) (cabozantinib) tablets by the European Medicines Agency. The decision is specific to the European patent at issue and is subject to appeal to the EPO Technical Boards of Appeal.