Watson and Takeda resolve Actos litigation

UNITED STATES – US generic drugs company Watson Pharmaceuticals has settled its patent litigation with the Japanese firm Takeda Pharmaceuticals over, Takeda’s diabetes drug Actos (pioglitazone). Under the terms of the agreement, Takeda has granted Watson a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to its patents covering pioglitazone. Watson will be able to launch a generic version of the drug in August 2012. The patents covering the drug expire in 2016, according to the Food and Drug Administration.