Sun Pharma has successfully removed an injunction in the US that was blocking the launch of its hair loss treatment, Leqselvi, for alopecia areata. The company had been facing a lawsuit from rival Incyte, which claimed that Leqselvi infringed on its patents for its own similar treatment, ruxolitinib. Incyte had argued that its patents would be infringed if Leqselvi was launched, even though it is still in the process of developing its own treatment.
The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit rejected Incyte’s claims and vacated the injunction, allowing Sun Pharma to launch Leqselvi. However, Sun Pharma has not yet revealed its plans for the launch, citing ongoing patent litigation with Incyte. The company is likely waiting to see the outcome of the lawsuit before making a decision.
Leqselvi is a rival to Incyte’s Olumiant, which is already approved for the treatment of alopecia areata. Both drugs are JAK 1/2 inhibitors and have been cleared for use in adults with severe hair loss caused by the condition. Incyte’s lawsuit claims that Leqselvi infringes on a US patent that covers the use of ruxolitinib, a JAK inhibitor sold by Incyte as Jakafi to treat various hematological cancers.
Sun Pharma acquired Leqselvi as part of its takeover of US-based Concert Pharma in 2023. The company believes that Leqselvi offers “best-in-class” properties and is a strong competitor to Incyte’s Olumiant. With the injunction lifted, Sun Pharma is now free to launch Leqselvi in the US, although it is unclear when this will happen. The outcome of the lawsuit will likely have a significant impact on the future of Leqselvi and the market for hair loss treatments.