PARIS (AP) – Sanofi-Aventis has settled three patent infringement lawsuits in the U.S. related to generic versions of colon cancer treatment Eloxatin, the French drug maker said.

Under terms of the settlements, the three generic drug makers – Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., Fresenius Kabi and Sandoz – will suspend sales of their products from June 30, 2010 to August 9, 2012.

Terms of the settlement are still subject to review by the Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Attorney General for the state of Michigan, Sanofi-Aventis said in a statement.

The French drug maker remains in negotiations with three other generic Eloxatin makers: MN Pharmaceuticals, Mayne Pharma (USA) Inc., and Actavis Inc, company spokesman Jean-Marc Podvin said.

Eloxatin is a drug used in chemotherapy to treat colorectal cancers.

Last year Sanofi-Aventis’ sales of Eloxatin fell 37 percent to ?677 million ($913 million) due to competition from generic versions.

Date: April 1, 2010
Source: Associated Press