(CN) - The Federal Circuit extended an order temporarily blocking generic versions of Eli Lilly & Co.'s Strattera while the pharmaceutical giant appeals a ruling invalidating its U.S. patent for the drug used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., extended the temporary stay granted by a federal judge in New Jersey, who found Strattera's U.S. patent invalid earlier this month, thus removing its patent protection against generic versions.
The court allowed the patent protection to stay in place until the court hears Eli Lilly's appeal, which could take more than a month.
The original stay order was set to expire after two weeks, but will now remain in place pending appeal.
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.