Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 1 of 50
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF DELAWARE PURDUE PHARMA PRODUCTS L.P., NAPP PHARMACEUTICAL GROUP LTD., BIOVAIL LABORATORIES INTERNATIONAL SRL, and ORTHO-MCNEIL, INC., ) ) ) ) ) Plaintiffs/Counterclaim Defendants, ) ) v. ) ) PAR PHARMACEUTICAL, INC. and ) PAR PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES, INC., ) ) Defendants/Counterclaim Plaintiffs. )
C.A. No. 07-255 (JJF) (CONSOLIDATED)
PLAINTIFFS' REPLY TO THE COUNTERCLAIMS SET FORTH IN DEFENDANTS' SECOND AMENDED ANSWER AND COUNTERCLAIMS Plaintiffs/counterclaim defendants Purdue Pharma Products L.P., Napp
Pharmaceutical Group Ltd., Biovail Laboratories International, SRL, and Ortho-McNeil, Inc. (collectively, "Plaintiffs") reply to Defendants/counterclaim plaintiffs Par Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.'s (collectively, "Par") Counterclaims as follows: REPLY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Admitted on information and belief. Admitted on information and belief. Admitted. Admitted. Admitted. Admitted. Par purports to assert claims arising under the patent laws of the United
States, 35 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., and the Declaratory Judgment Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2201 and 2202,
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 2 of 50
and purports to seek declaratory relief. averments of Paragraph 7. 8.
Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the
Par purports to base subject matter jurisdiction on the statutes listed in
Paragraph 8. Plaintiffs do not contest that subject matter jurisdiction exists. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 8. 9. 10. Admitted. Since May 4, 2007, Purdue Pharma Products L.P. ("Purdue") and Napp
Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. ("Napp") have been the assignees of U.S. Patent No. 6,254,887 (the "`887 patent"). Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 10. 11. Controlled release oral dosage formulations of tramadol are described in
the `887 patent. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 11. 12. 13. Admitted. Since May 4, 2007, Purdue and Napp have been the assignees of U.S.
Patent No. 7,074,430 ("the `430 patent"). Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 13. 14. Controlled release oral dosage formulations of tramadol are described in
the `430 patent. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 14. 15. Admitted on information and belief. REPLY TO FIRST COUNT 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Plaintiffs repeat and incorporate their reply to Paragraphs 1-15. Denied. Admitted. Admitted. Denied. 2
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 3 of 50
REPLY TO SECOND COUNT 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. Plaintiffs repeat and incorporate their reply to Paragraphs 1-20. Denied. Admitted. Admitted. Denied. REPLY TO THIRD COUNT 26. 27. 28. 29. Denied. Admitted. Denied. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail Laboratories International, SRL,
("Biovail") and Ortho-McNeil, Inc. ("OMI") deny on information and belief. 30. 31. Admitted. Controlled release dosage formulations of tramadol are described in the
`887 patent and in U.S. Patent No. 5,591,452 (the "`452 patent"). Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 31. 32. 33. Admitted. Tramadol is an opioid analgesic, which can be administered orally.
Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 33. 34. 35. Admitted. Since May 4, 2007, Purdue Pharma Products L.P. and Napp
Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. have been the assignees of the `887 patent and the `452 patent. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 35.
3
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 4 of 50
36. Pharma Products L.P. 37. 38. markets Ultram Paragraph 38. 39. 40. 41. 42.
®
The `887 and `452 patents were licensed to Ortho-McNeil, Inc. by Purdue
Admitted. PriCara is a Division of Ortho McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, and ER. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of
Admitted. Admitted. Admitted. Mr. Davidson was an attorney of record for the `129 application. Except
as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 42. 43. Brian M. Burn was the primary examiner for the `129 application. Except
as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. Admitted. Admitted. Admitted. In the German `525 priority application, in vitro dissolution rate ranges
stated for the controlled release preparations, when measured by USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 37°C and using UV detection at 270 nm, are between 5 and 50% (by weight) tramadol released after 1 hour, between 10 and 75% (by weight) tramadol released after 2 hours, between 20 and 95% (by weight) tramadol released after 4 hours, between 40 and 100% (by weight) tramadol released after 8 hours, more than 50% (by weight) tramadol released after 12 hours, more than 70% (by weight) tramadol released after 18 hours and more
4
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 5 of 50
than 80% (by weight) tramadol released after 24 hours. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 47. 48. Sustained release compositions are disclosed in British Patent Application
No. 9324045 ("the British `045 priority application"). Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 48. 49. 50. 51. Admitted. Admitted. In the British `544 priority application ("the British `544 priority
application"), in vitro dissolution rate ranges stated for the controlled release preparations, when measured by Ph. Eur. Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 37°C and using UV detection at 270 nm, are 0-50% tramadol released after 1 hour, 0-75% tramadol released after 2 hours, 3-95% tramadol released after 4 hours, 10-100% tramadol released after 8 hours, 20-100% tramadol released after 12 hours, 30-100% tramadol released after 16 hours, 50100% tramadol released after 24 hours and more than 80% tramadol released after 36 hours. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 51. 52. British Patent Application No. 9404928 ("the British `928 priority
application") states that it "relates generally to a method of manufacturing pharmaceutical dosage forms, for human or veterinary use, preferably sustained release particles, such particles having diameters ranging from 0.1 to 3.0 mm." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 52. 53. Examples 1-6 of the British `928 priority application contain Morphine
Sulphate as the active ingredient. Examples 7-8 of the British `928 priority application contain
5
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 6 of 50
Tramadol Hydrochloride as the active ingredient. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 53. 54. 55. Admitted. On May 29, 1996, a letter on behalf of Grünenthal GmbH ("Grünenthal")
was submitted to the European Patent Office in opposition to European Patent No. 624,366 ("the European `366 patent"). The European `366 patent is assigned to Euro-Celtique S.A. ("EuroCeltique"). The `452 patent issued on January 7, 1997. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 55. 56. The European `366 patent was filed on April 29, 2004, claiming priority to
the British `928 application, the British `045 priority application, the British `544 priority application, and the German `525 priority application. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 56. 57. On information and belief based on statements made in the `887
prosecution history, the Grünenthal opposition letter asserted British Patent Application No. 2,196,848 (the British `848 application") against claims 5-7 of the European `366 patent to support Grünenthal's position that the subject matter is not based on an inventive step. The British `848 application is titled "Controlled release hydromorphone composition." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 57. 58. The British `848 application was filed October 22, 1987, listing priority
data as GB 8626098, filed October 31, 1986. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 58. 59. Admitted.
6
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 7 of 50
60.
The prosecution history of the `452 patent does not reflect the disclosure
of Grünenthal's opposition letter. 61. 62. On information and belief, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 61. The `798 application was filed on July 10, 1996 as a divisional application
of the `129 application. Euro-Celtique was named as the assignee for the `798 application. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 62. 63. 64. 65. Admitted. Admitted. Mr. Davidson was an attorney of record for the `798 application. Except
as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 65. 66. Examiner Brian M. Burn was one of the patent examiners whose name Except as expressly admitted,
appears in the prosecution history of the `798 application. Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 66. 67.
When filing the `798 application, the applicants wrote "[c]ancel in this
application original claims 1-19 of the prior application (without prejudice) before calculating the filing fee. (At least one original independent claim must be retained for filing purposes.)." On July 10, 1996, applicants filed a preliminary amendment stating "[p]lease cancel claims 1-41 without prejudice." That preliminary amendment added new claims 42-65. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 67. 68. 69. Admitted. Admitted.
7
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 8 of 50
70.
On October 27, 1998, Examiner Burn wrote: "[i]t is noted that Applicant Except as expressly
has submitted an extremely large number of references for review." admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 70. 71.
Examiner Burn further wrote: "The courts have held that an applicant
may be guilty of inequitable conduct if the applicant is aware that certain references within a large information disclosure statement are more material that [sic] the rest and does not inform the PTO as to which references the applicant considers to be most material." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 71. 72. Examiner Burn further wrote: "Thus, there has been an additional burden
placed on applicants who submit large volumes of prior art to identify pieces of prior art which are deemed most material by the applicant." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 72. 73. Examiner Burn further wrote: "It is the examiner's intent, in raising this
issue, to ensure that it is adequately addressed during ex parte proceedings and therefore could not become an issue after a patent is allowed." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 73. 74. Examiner Burn further wrote: "Therefore, it is suggested that Applicant,
in their next correspondence with the PTO, identify those references they deem most material to the claimed invention." Paragraph 74. 75. Examiner Burn further wrote: "Applicant is also encouraged to review 37 Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of
C.F.R. § 1.56(b) wherein the standard for what constitutes a material reference is set forth and MPEP § 2004(13) which discusses the submission of long lists of clearly irrelevant and
8
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 9 of 50
marginally pertinent information." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 75. 76. 77. 78. Admitted. Admitted. In the March 1, 1999 response to the October 27, 1998 office action,
applicants wrote: "In the Information Disclosure Statement filed on October 6, 1997, certain of Assignee's copending patent applications were brought to the Examiner's attention. The
following is an updating and supplementation of that list: Applicants respectfully advise the Examiner of the following applications which are commonly assigned to the owners of the instant application." The Response describes six applications, then states: "Applicants also respectfully advise the Examiner of the following applications which were originally assigned to the owners of the instant application, but have since been assigned to an affiliated company," describing three more applications. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 78. 79. 80. 81. application." Admitted. Admitted. Paragraph 81 incorrectly identifies the `798 application as the "`789
Plaintiffs assume that references to the "`789 application" throughout Par's Except as denied, Plaintiffs admit the
Counterclaims are actually to the `798 application. averments of Paragraph 81. 82. 83. 84. Admitted. Admitted. Admitted.
9
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 10 of 50
85.
U.S. Patent No. 5,580,578 ("the `578 patent") states that it is "an object of
the present invention to provide a controlled release formulation of a substrate comprising an active agent ... coated with an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic acrylic polymer such that there is a stable dissolution or other release profile of the active agent when placed in an environment of use, despite exposure to a variety of storage conditions, including accelerated storage conditions." Paragraph 85. 86. The `578 patent discloses fifteen (15) classes of active agents, one of Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of
which is "systemically active therapeutic agents," twenty-eight (28) classes of systemically active therapeutic agents, one of which is "opioids," and fourteen (14) different opioids, one of which is tramadol. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 86. 87. 88. 89. Admitted. Admitted. Mr. Davidson was an attorney of record for U.S. Patent Application Serial
No. 08/097,558 ("the `558 application"). Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 89. 90. The primary examiner listed on the face of the `578 patent is Peter F.
Kulkosky. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 90. 91. The `558 application was filed on July 27, 1993, and issued on
December 3, 1996. The `798 application was filed on July 10, 1996, and issued on July 3, 2001. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 91.
10
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 11 of 50
92.
The `798 application was filed on July 10, 1996. The `558 application
issued as the `578 patent on December 3, 1996. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 92. 93. 94. Admitted. Dependent claim 47 of the `578 patent depends from claim 44, which
depends from claim 43. Claim 44 reads: 44. The formulation of claim 43, wherein said systemically active therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of antihistamines, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, gastro-intestinals, anti-emetics, anti-epileptics, vasodilators, antitussive agents, expectorants, anti-asthmatics, hormones, diuretics, anti-hypotensives, anti-hypertensives, bronchodilators, antibiotics, antivirals, antihemorrhoidals, steroids, hypnotics, psychotropics, antidiarrheals, mucolytics, sedatives, decongestants, laxatives, vitamins, and stimulants. Claim 47 reads: 47. The formulation of claim 44, wherein said agent is an opioid analgesic selected from the group consisting of hydromorphone, oxycodone, morphine, levorphanol, methadone, meperidine, heroin, dihydrocodeine, codeine, hydrocodone, tramadol, dihydromorphine, buprenorphine, mixed opiate receptor agonistantagonists, salts, hydrates and solvents of any of the foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 94. 95. 96. Admitted. Dependent claim 40 of the `578 patent depends from claim 37 which
depends from claim 36. Claim 37 reads: 37. The formulation of claim 36, wherein said therapeutically active agent is selected from the group consisting of antihistamines, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, gastro-intestinals, anti-emetics, anti-epileptics, vasodilators, antitussive agents, expectorants, anti-asthmatics, hormones, diuretics, anti-hypotensives, anti-hypertensives, bronchodilators, antibiotics, antivirals, antihemorrhoidals, steroids, hypnotics, psychotropics, 11
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 12 of 50
antidiarrheals, mucolytics, sedatives, decongestants, laxatives, vitamins, and stimulants. Claim 40 reads: 40. The formulation of claim 37, wherein said active agent is an opioid analgesic selected from the group consisting of hydromorphone, oxycodone, morphine, levorphanol, methadone, meperidine, heroin, dihydrocodeine, codeine, hydrocodone, tramadol, dihydromorphine, buprenorphine, mixed opiate receptor agonist-antagonists, salts, hydrates and solvents of any of the foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 96. 97. Mr. Davidson was an attorney of record in the prosecution of the `558
application and the `798 application. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 97. 98. 99. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. Admitted. Denied. Admitted. Admitted. Admitted. Admitted. Paragraph 104 misquotes "pharmaceutically acceptable salt" as
"pharmaceutically salt." Paragraph 104 otherwise accurately quotes originally filed claim 53 of the `798 application. 105. 106. Admitted. Paragraph 106 misquotes "said tablet" as "said preparation."
Paragraph 106 otherwise accurately quotes originally filed claim 63 of the `798 application. 107. Admitted.
12
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 13 of 50
108. 109.
Admitted. The element "spheroid substrates" appears in original claims 46 and 54 of
the `798 application. The element "tramadol hydrochloride" appears in original claims 49 and 57 of the `798 application. The element "controlled release coating" appears in original claim 58 of the `798 application. The element "substrate is a tablet" appears in claims 52 and 62 of the `798 application. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 109. 110. The `798 application issued as the `887 patent. Except as expressly
admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 110. 111. 112. 113. Denied. Denied. An office action dated December 16, 1994, stated: "[c]laims 1, 2, 5, 6, 8-
29, 32-42, 45-52, 55-59, 61, 73 and 94-99 are rejected under judicially created policy as consisting double patenting over Oshlack et al. 5,286,493." The `558 application was filed as a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent No. 5, 286,493. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 113. 114. 37 C.F.R. § 1.56 ("Rule 56") states: "Each individual associated with the
filing and prosecution of a patent application has a duty of candor and good faith in dealing with the Office, which includes a duty to disclose to the Office all information known to that individual to be material to patentability as defined in this section." admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 114. 115. 37 C.F.R. § 1.56 ("Rule 56") is titled "Duty to disclose information Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Except as expressly
material to patentability." Paragraph 115.
13
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 14 of 50
116. § 1.56(a).
The persons subject to the duty to disclose are identified in 37 C.F.R.
Mr. Davidson, who was an attorney of record in the prosecution of the `798
application, was subject to that duty. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 116. 117. MPEP § 2001.06(b) (2007) states: "The individuals covered by 37 CFR
1.56 have a duty to bring to the attention of the examiner, or other Office official involved with the examination of a particular application, information within their knowledge as to other copending United States applications which are `material to patentability' of the application in question." Some Federal Circuit decisions have held that, under specific facts, the failure to disclose another patent application to the Patent and Trademark Office was a material omission. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 117. 118. 119. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief. The prosecution history of the `887 patent does not reflect that the
copending `558 application was disclosed during prosecution. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 119. 120. Mr. Davidson was generally aware of the requirements of 37 C.F.R.
§ 1.56. Plaintiffs are without information and belief as to what the corporate entity "EuroCeltique" knew. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 120. 121. On information and belief, admitted. The file history as obtained from the
PTO was incomplete. Once the full file history is assembled, Plaintiffs reserve the right to amend their answer to paragraph 121. 122. 123. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief.
14
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 15 of 50
124.
An office action dated December 16, 1994, stated: "Claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 8-
29, 32-42, 45-52, 55-59, 61, 73 and 94-99 are rejected under judicially created policy as consisting double patenting over Oshlack et al. 5,286,493." The office action further stated: "Claims 1, 2, 5, 6, 8-29, 32-42, 45-52, 55-59, 61, 73, and 94-99 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Fawzi et al. 5,068,11 [sic] or Ghebre-Sellassie et al. 4,00,645 or Edgren et al. 5,024,842 or Wong et al. 5,019,397." The `558 application, assigned to EuroCeltique, was filed as a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent No. 5,286,493, also assigned to EuroCeltique. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 124. 125. The December 16, 1994 office action was signed by Peter Kulkosky.
Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 125. 126. The `558 application was filed on July 27, 1993, and issued on
December 3, 1996. The `798 application was filed on July 10, 1996. Mr. Davidson was an attorney of record for the `798 application. Euro-Celtique is the assignee of the `798 application. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 126. 127. 128. 129. Denied. Admitted. Originally filed claim 58 depended from claim 55 which depended from
claim 52 of the `558 application. Originally filed claim 55 read: 55. The formulation of claim 52, wherein said systematically active therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of antihistamines, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, gastro-intestinals, anti-emetics, anti-epileptics, vasodilators, antitussive agents, expectorants, anti-asthmatics, hormones, diuretics, anti-hypotensives, anti-hypertensives, bronchodilators, antibiotics, antivirals, antihemorrhoidals, steroids, hypnotics, psychotropics, antidiarrheals, mucolytics, sedatives, decongestants, laxatives, vitamins, and stimulants.
15
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 16 of 50
Originally filed claim 58 read: 58. The formulation of claim 55, wherein said agent is an opioid analgesic selected from the group consisting of hydromorphone, oxycodone, morphine, levorphanol, methadone, meperidine, heroin, dihydrocodeine, codeine, hydrocodone, tramadol, dihydromorphine, buprenorphine, mixed opiate receptor agonistantagonists, salts, hydrates and solvents of any of the foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 129. 130. Paragraph 130 misquotes "(pH between 1.6 and 7.2)" as "(pH between 6
and 7.2)." Paragraph 130 otherwise accurately quotes originally filed claim 42 of the `558 application. 131. Originally filed claim 48 depended from claim 45 which depended from
claim 42 of the `558 application. Originally filed claim 45 read: 45. The formulation of claim 42, wherein said therapeutically active agent is selected from the group consisting of antihistamines, analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, gastro-intestinals, anti-emetics, anti-epileptics, vasodilators, antitussive agents, expectorants, anti-asthmatics, hormones, diuretics, anti-hypotensives, anti-hypertensives, bronchodilators, antibiotics, antivirals, antihemorrhoidals, steroids, hypnotics, psychotropics, antidiarrheals, mucolytics, sedatives, decongestants, laxatives, vitamins, and stimulants. Originally filed claim 48 read: 48. The formulation of claim 48, wherein said active agent is an opioid analgesic selected from the group consisting of hydromorphone, oxycodone, morphine, levorphanol, methadone, meperidine, heroin, dihydrocodeine, codeine, hydrocodone, tramadol, dihydromorphine, buprenorphine, mixed opiate receptor agonist-antagonists, salts, hydrates and solvents of any of the foregoing, and mixtures of any of the foregoing. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 131.
16
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 17 of 50
132.
Some Federal Circuit decisions have held that, under specific facts, the
failure to disclose another patent application to the Patent and Trademark Office was a material omission. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 132. 133. 134. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief. The prosecution history does not reflect that rejections made in the `558
application were disclosed during prosecution of the `798 application. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief. Denied. Denied. The `578 patent specification contains the statement: "The present
invention is further related to a method of treating a patient with an oral solid dosage form described above. In this method, present invention further comprises administering the oral solid dosage form comprising the cured, coated substrate to the patient to thereby obtain the desired therapeutic effect for about 12 to about 24 hours or more. In especially preferred embodiments, the oral solid dosage forms of the present invention provide a desired therapeutic effect for about 24 hours." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 138. 139. The specification of the `578 patent includes the use of the word
"substrate." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 139. 140. The `578 patent specification states: "The aqueous dispersions of
hydrophobic acrylic polymers used as coatings in the present invention may be used to coat substrates such as tablets, spheroids (or beads), microspheres, seeds, pellets, ion-exchange resin
17
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 18 of 50
beads, and other multi-particulate systems in order to obtain a desired controlled release of the active agent." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 140. 141. The `578 patent discloses fifteen (15) classes of active agents, one of
which is "systemically active therapeutic agents," twenty-eight (28) classes of systemically active therapeutic agents, one of which is "opioids," and fourteen (14) different opioids, one of which is tramadol. Paragraph 141. 142. The `578 patent specification states: "A further object of the present Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of
invention is to provide a controlled release formulation wherein the controlled release is caused by a coating on the formulation of an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic polymer such as an acrylic polymer which coating provides a stable dissolution of an active agent contained in the formulation, despite exposure to accelerated storage conditions such that the dissolution would be deemed acceptable by a governmental regulatory agency such as the U.S. FDA for purposes of according expiration dating." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 142. 143. The `578 patent specification states: "It is therefore an object of the
present invention to provide a controlled release formulation of a substrate comprising an active agent, e.g. a therapeutically active agent, a disinfecting agent, a cleansing agent, a sanitizing agent and a fertilizing agent, coated with an aqueous dispersion of a hydrophobic acrylic polymer such that there is a stable dissolution or other release profile of the active agent when placed in an environment of use, despite exposure to a variety of storage conditions, including accelerated storage conditions." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 143.
18
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 19 of 50
144.
The dissolution ranges "when measured by the USP Paddle or Basket
Method at 100 rpm at 900 ml aqueous buffer (pH between 6 and 7.2) at 37°C" set forth in claim 36 and 43 of the `578 patent are: Time (hr) Claim 36 % Released (by weight) 1 2 4 6 8 "about 0% to about 42.5%" "about 25% to about 55%" "about 45% to about 75%" "greater than about 55%" Claim 43 % Released (by weight) "about 0% to about 42.5%" "about 5% to about 60%" "about 15% to about 75%" -"about 20% to about 90%"
The dissolution ranges "when measured using the Ph. Eur. Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 37°C and using UV detection at 270 nm" set forth in claims 1, 3, 4, 13, 15, 17, and 19 of the `887 patent are:
Time (hr) Claim 1 % Released Claim 3 % Released Claim 4 % Released Claim 13 % Released Claim 15 % Released Claim 17 % Released Claim 19 % Released
1 2 4 8 12 16 24
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100 30-100 50-100
0-50 0-75 10-95 35-100 55-100 70-100 >90
0-30 0-45 3-55 10-65 20-75 30-88 50-100
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100 30-100 50-100
0-50 0-75 10-95 35-100 55-100 70-100 >90
15-25 25-35 30-45 40-60 55-70 60-75 --
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100 30-100 50-100
19
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 20 of 50
Time (hr)
Claim 1 % Released
Claim 3 % Released
Claim 4 % Released
Claim 13 % Released
Claim 15 % Released
Claim 17 % Released
Claim 19 % Released
36
>80
--
>80
>80
--
--
>80
Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 144. 145. 146. 147. Admitted. Admitted. The `578 patent was filed on July 27, 1993. The German `525 priority
application was filed on May 10, 1993. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 147. 148. 149. Denied. In the German `525 priority application, in vitro dissolution rate ranges
stated for the controlled release preparations, when measured by USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 37°C and using UV detection at 270 nm, are between 5 and 50% (by weight) tramadol released after 1 hour, between 10 and 75% (by weight) tramadol released after 2 hours, between 20 and 95% (by weight) tramadol released after 4 hours, between 40 and 100% (by weight) tramadol released after 8 hours, more than 50% (by weight) tramadol released after 12 hours, more than 70% (by weight) tramadol released after 18 hours and more than 80% (by weight) tramadol released after 24 hours. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 149. 150. The dissolution ranges "when measured using the Ph. Eur. Paddle Method
at 100 rpm in 900 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 37°C and using UV detection at 270 nm" set forth in claims 1, 3, 4, 13, 15, 17, and 19 of the `887 patent are:
20
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 21 of 50
Time (hr)
Claim 1 % Released
Claim 3 % Released
Claim 4 % Released
Claim 13 % Released
Claim 15 % Released
Claim 17 % Released
Claim 19 % Released
1 2 4 8 12 16 24 36
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100 30-100 50-100 >80
0-50 0-75 10-95 35-100 55-100 70-100 >90 --
0-30 0-45 3-55 10-65 20-75 30-88 50-100 >80
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100 30-100 50-100 >80
0-50 0-75 10-95 35-100 55-100 70-100 >90 --
15-25 25-35 30-45 40-60 55-70 60-75 ---
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100 30-100 50-100 >80
Claims 5-6, 16, 18, 20, and 27 depend from claim 1 and do not further limit the in vitro dissolution parameters of claim 1. Claims 22-26 and 31-32 depend from claim 19 and do not further limit the in vitro dissolution parameters of claim 19. Claim 29 depends from claim 13 and does not further limit the in vitro dissolution parameters of claim 13. Claims 5-6, 16, 18, 20, and 27 depend from claim 1 and do not further limit the in vitro dissolution parameters of claim 1. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 150. 151. MPEP § 2001.04 (2007) is titled "Information Under 37 CFR 1.56(a)" and
quotes that section in its entirety. Some Federal Circuit decisions have held that, under specific facts, the failure to disclose a prior art patent to the Patent and Trademark Office was a material omission. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 151. 152. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief.
21
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 22 of 50
153.
Mr. Davidson was generally aware of the requirements of 37 C.F.R.
§ 1.56. Plaintiffs are without information and belief as to what the corporate entity "EuroCeltique" knew. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 153. 154. The prosecution history of the U.S. Application Serial No. 09/800,204
("the `204 application"), filed March 6, 2001, reflects that the `578 patent was disclosed. The `204 application is a continuation of the `798 application. The prosecution history of the `798 application does not reflect that the `578 patent was disclosed. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief. Admitted. Admitted. The abstract of U.S. Patent No. 5,478,577 ("the `577 patent") states:
Patients are treated with 24-hour oral sustained release opioid formulations which upon administration quickly release an effective portion of the opioid contained therein such that there is an initially more rapid opioid release so that the minimum effective analgesic concentration of the opioid can be more quickly achieved. In the method, the formulations are designed to provide a relatively large peak to trough concentration of the opioid, rather than a flattened serum concentration curve. The specification further states that "[i]n certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, the sustained-release opioid dosage forms comprise a plurality of substrates comprising the active ingredient, which substrates are coated with a sustained-release coating." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 158. 159. The `577 patent states that seventy-two (72) possible opioids and "salts
thereof" "may be used in the present invention." One of the listed opioids is tramadol. The patent also lists seven opioids as the "preferred embodiments." Tramadol is not disclosed as a
22
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 23 of 50
"preferred embodiment." Tramadol is not listed in any claim of the `577 patent. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 159. 160. 161. 162. Admitted. Admitted. Mr. Davidson was an attorney of record for U.S. Application Serial Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the
No. 08/156,468 ("the `468 application"). averments of Paragraph 162. 163.
The face of the `577 patent lists William E. Benston, Jr. as the assistant
examiner. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 163. 164. 165. 166. Denied. Denied. The `577 patent abstract states:
Patients are treated with 24-hour oral sustained release opioid formulations which upon administration quickly release an effective portion of the opioid contained therein such that there is an initially more rapid opioid release so that the minimum effective analgesic concentration of the opioid can be more quickly achieved. In the method, the formulations are designed to provide a relatively large peak to trough concentration of the opioid, rather than a flattened serum concentration curve. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 166. 167. The `577 specification states that "[i]n certain preferred embodiments of
the present invention, the sustained-release opioid dosage forms comprise a plurality of substrates comprising the active ingredient, which substrates are coated with a sustained-release coating." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 167. 168. The `577 specification states that "Where a plurality of the sustained
release substrates comprising an effective unit dose of the opioid (e.g., multiparticulate systems
23
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 24 of 50
including pellets, spheres, beads and the like) are incorporated into a hard gelatin capsule, the immediate release portion of the opioid dose may be incorporated into the gelatin capsule via inclusion of the sufficient amount of immediate release opioid as a powder or granulate within the capsule." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 168. 169. The `577 patent lists seventy-two (72) possible opioids and "salts thereof"
that "may be used in the present invention." One of the listed opioids is tramadol. The patent also lists seven opioids as the "preferred embodiments." Tramadol is not listed as a "preferred embodiment." Tramadol is not listed in any claim of the `577 patent. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 169. 170. The `577 specification states:
In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, an effective amount of opioid in immediate release form is included in the 24 hour sustained release unit dose opioid formulation to be administered. The immediate release form of the opioid is included in an amount which is effective to shorten the time to maximum concentration of the opioid in the blood (e.g., plasma), such that the Tmax is shortened to a time of, e.g., from about 2 to about 4 hours. This causes the blood concentration curve to have an early peak rather than the substantially flattened curves currently recommended by those skilled in the art. It has been discovered that by including such an effective amount of immediate release opioid in the unit dose, the experience of relatively higher levels of pain in patients is significantly reduced. In such embodiments, an effective amount of the opioid in immediate release form may be coated onto the substrates of the present invention. For example, where the extended release opioid from the formulation is due to a controlled release coating, the immediate release layer would be overcoated on top of the controlled release coating. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 170. 171. The `577 specification states that "[i]n certain preferred embodiments of
the present invention, the hydrophobic polymer comprising the sustained-release coating is a pharmaceutically acceptable acrylic polymer" and "[i]n other preferred embodiments, the
24
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 25 of 50
hydrophobic polymer which may be used for coating the substrates of the present invention is a hydrophobic cellulosic material." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 171. 172. The dissolution ranges using "U.S.P. Apparatus II (Paddle Method) [in]
700 ml of simulated gastric fluid (without enzymes) for the first hour at 100 rpm and 37°C., and then placed into 900 ml of simulated gastric fluid (without enzymes) after the first hour" to measure "percent Morphine Sulfate Dissolved" are: Time Example 1 Example 2 Example 3
1 11.9% 10.2% 11.7% 2 15.4% 11.3% 12.1% 4 28.1% 12.8% 22.0% 8 58.3% 16.4% 45.3% 12 79.2% 29.6% 63.7% 18 92.0% 58.1% 81.8% 24 96.6% 73.2% 92.5% The dissolution ranges "when measured using the Ph. Eur. Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 37°C and using UV detection at 270 nm" set forth in claims 1, 3, 4, 13, 15, 17, and 19 of the `887 patent are:
Time (hr) Claim 1 % Released Claim 3 % Released Claim 4 % Released Claim 13 % Released Claim 15 % Released Claim 17 % Released Claim 19 % Released
1 2 4 8 12
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100
0-50 0-75 10-95 35-100 55-100
0-30 0-45 3-55 10-65 20-75
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100
0-50 0-75 10-95 35-100 55-100
15-25 25-35 30-45 40-60 55-70
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100
25
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 26 of 50
Time (hr)
Claim 1 % Released
Claim 3 % Released
Claim 4 % Released
Claim 13 % Released
Claim 15 % Released
Claim 17 % Released
Claim 19 % Released
16 24 36
30-100 50-100 >80 173. 174. 175.
70-100 >90 -Admitted. Admitted.
30-88 50-100 >80
30-100 50-100 >80
70-100 >90 --
60-75 ---
30-100 50-100 >80
The `577 application was filed on November 23, 1993. The German `525
priority application was filed on May 10, 1993. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 175. 176. 177. Denied. In the German `525 priority application, in vitro dissolution rate ranges
stated for the controlled release preparation, when measured by USP Paddle Method at 100 rpm in 900 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 37°C and using UV detection at 270 nm, are between 5 and 50% (by weight) tramadol released after 1 hour, between 10 and 75% (by weight) tramadol released after 2 hours, between 20 and 95% (by weight) tramadol released after 4 hours, between 40 and 100% (by weight) tramadol released after 8 hours, more than 50% (by weight) tramadol released after 12 hours, more than 70% (by weight) tramadol released after 18 hours and more than 80% (by weight) tramadol released after 24 hours. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 177. 178. The dissolution ranges "when measured using the Ph. Eur. Paddle Method
at 100 rpm in 900 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid at 37°C and using UV detection at 270 nm" set forth in claims 1, 3, 4, 13, 15, 17, and 19 of the `887 patent are:
26
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 27 of 50
Time (hr)
Claim 1 % Released
Claim 3 % Released
Claim 4 % Released
Claim 13 % Released
Claim 15 % Released
Claim 17 % Released
Claim 19 % Released
1 2 4 8 12 16 24 36
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100 30-100 50-100 >80
0-50 0-75 10-95 35-100 55-100 70-100 >90 --
0-30 0-45 3-55 10-65 20-75 30-88 50-100 >80
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100 30-100 50-100 >80
0-50 0-75 10-95 35-100 55-100 70-100 >90 --
15-25 25-35 30-45 40-60 55-70 60-75 ---
0-50 0-75 3-95 10-100 20-100 30-100 50-100 >80
Claims 5-6, 16, 18, 20, and 27 depend from claim 1 and do not further limit the in vitro dissolution parameters of claim 1. Claims 22-26 and 31-32 depend from claim 19 and do not further limit the in vitro dissolution parameters of claim 19. Claim 29 depends from claim 13 and does not further limit the in vitro dissolution parameters of claim 13. Claims 5-6, 16, 18, 20, and 27 depend from claim 1 and do not further limit the in vitro dissolution parameters of claim 1. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 178. 179. MPEP § 2001.04 (2007) is titled "Information Under 37 CFR 1.56(a)" and
quotes that section in its entirety. Some Federal Circuit decisions have held that, under specific facts, the failure to disclose a prior art patent to the Patent and Trademark Office was a material omission. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 179. 180. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief.
27
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 28 of 50
181.
Mr. Davidson was generally aware of the requirements of 37 C.F.R.
§ 1.56. Plaintiffs are without information and belief as to what the corporate entity "EuroCeltique" knew. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 181. 182. The prosecution history of the U.S. Application Serial No. 09/800,204
("the `204 application"), filed March 6, 2001, reflects that the `577 patent was disclosed. The `204 application is a continuation of the `798 application. The prosecution history of the `798 application does not reflect that the `577 patent was disclosed. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 182. 183. 184. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief. MPEP § 2001.06(c) (2007) states: "Where the subject matter for which a
patent is being sought is or has been involved in litigation, the existence of such litigation and any other material information arising therefrom must be brought to the attention of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office." Some Federal Circuit decisions have held that, under specific facts, the failure to disclose litigation related to a patent application to the Patent and Trademark Office was a material omission. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 184. 185. The `577 patent was originally asserted in Purdue Pharma L.P. v. F.H.
Faulding, No. 96-cv-427 (April 23, 1999 D. Del.) ("the Faulding litigation"). Purdue Pharma L.P. dropped all claims based on the `577 patent in favor of asserting U.S. Patent No. 5,672,360. The opinion in the Faulding decision does not reference the `577 patent. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 185.
28
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 29 of 50
186.
The `577 patent abstract states:
Patients are treated with 24-hour oral sustained release opioid formulations which upon administration quickly release an effective portion of the opioid contained therein such that there is an initially more rapid opioid release so that the minimum effective analgesic concentration of the opioid can be more quickly achieved. In the method, the formulations are designed to provide a relatively large peak to trough concentration of the opioid, rather than a flattened serum concentration curve. The `577 patent discloses seventy-two (72) possible opioids and "salts thereof" that "may be used in the present invention." One of the listed opioids is tramadol. The patent also discloses seven opioids as the "preferred embodiments." Tramadol is not disclosed as a "preferred
embodiment." Tramadol is not listed in any claim of the `577 patent. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 186. 187. The `887 patent discloses and claims controlled release preparations for
oral administration containing tramadol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as the active ingredient. The patent specification states: "It is an object of the present invention to provide an oral controlled release tramadol preparation suitable for at least twelve-hourly (e.g. up to twenty-four hourly) administration for the treatment of pain." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 187. 188. 189. 190. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief. In response to an Information Disclosure Statement filed on October 9,
1997, the Examiner issued an Office Action on October 27, 1998 requesting "a brief summary of each of the 129 references listed, including their relevance to the pending claims." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 190.
29
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 30 of 50
191.
An Office Action was sent on October 27, 1998.
Paragraph 191
accurately quotes a portion of that Office Action. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 191. 192. 193. 194. 195. Purdue and Napp deny. Biovail and OMI deny on information and belief. Denied. Denied. The Merck reference states: "The invention relates to a novel method and
compositions for release of drugs through a rate limiting barrier by coating a formulation with polyvinyl alcohol, which serves as a membrane for said drugs or acts as a barrier film which will selectively permit passage of the desired species." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 195. 196. The Merck reference states: "Generally, the amount of polyvinyl alcohol
film coating for the entire drug delivery device (tablet, capsule, suppository & etc.) ranges from 1% to 15% by weight of the entire drug delivery device, preferably from 3% to 10%." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 196. 197. The Merck reference discloses eleven (11) classes of active agents
including "Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory agents." Tramadol is one of 61 non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents and one of twelve (12) preferred non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents described in the Merck reference. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 197. 198. An Experimental Report of Dr. Helmut Momberger was submitted by
Asta Medica Limited in the United Kingdom litigation captioned Napp Pharmaceutical Group
30
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 31 of 50
Limited v. Asta Medica Group Limited. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 198. 199. In the March 1, 1999 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning
Related Foreign Litigation submitted to the Patent Office, in addition to the paragraphs quoted by Defendants in Paragraph 199, Applicants stated: "In general, the experimental report does not directly reproduce any of the Examples in the Merck reference. The amounts of microcyrstalline cellulose, tramadol hydrochloride and magnesium stearate employed approximate Example 1 if 200 mg tramadol is used in place of 250 mg of L-dopa." Applicants also reproduced Example 1 of the Merck reference in its entirety. The Merck reference discloses the loading as "the dried polymer weight of the total tablet weight." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 199. 200. Paragraph 200 reproduces a portion of Table 4.1 entitled Rate of tramadol
release from PVA film-coated tablets from the Experimental Report of Dr. Momberger. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 200. 201. The Experimental Report of Dr. Momberger included a Summary of
Results graph of the Rate of Tramadol Release from PVA Film-coated Tablets. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 201. 202. The dissolution ranges "when measured using the PH. Eur. Paddle Method
at 100rpm in 900ml 0.1N hydrochloric acid at 37°C and using UV detection at 270 nm" set forth in claim 1 of EP 0 624 366 are: Time (hr) 1 2 % Released 5-50 10-75
31
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 32 of 50
Time (hr) 4 8 12 18 24
% Released 20-95 40-100 >50 >70 >80
Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 202. 203. In the Experimental Report of Dr. Momberger, the direct compression
tablet with 9.0% PVA has an average in vitro dissolution rate after 1 hr of 26%, after 2 hrs of 63% and after 4 hrs of 95%. No average in vitro dissolution rates were reported for the 8 hrs, 12 hrs, 18 hrs or 24 hrs time points. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 203. 204. In the Experimental Report of Dr. Momberger, the results for the
precompression tablet with 10.0% PVA has an average in vitro dissolution rate after 1 hr of 17%, after 2 hrs of 42%, after 4 hrs of 80%, after 8 hrs of 102%, after 12 hrs of 104% and after 24 hrs of 101%. No average in vitro dissolution rate was reported for the 18 hrs time point. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 204. 205. In the Experimental Report of Dr. Momberger, the direct compression
tablet with 13.0% PVA has an average in vitro dissolution rate after 1 hr of 6%, after 2 hrs of 24%, after 4 hrs of 63%, after 8 hrs of 100%, after 12 hrs of 103% and after 24 hrs of 102%. No average in vitro dissolution rate was reported for the 18 hrs time point. The results for the precompression tablet with 15.0% PVA has an average in vitro dissolution rate after 1 hr of 3%, after 2 hrs of 17%, after 4 hrs of 47%, after 8 hrs of 90%, after 12 hrs of 100% and after 24 hrs of
32
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 33 of 50
101%. No average in vitro dissolution rate was reported for the 18 hrs time point. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 205. 206. 207. 208. Denied. Denied. In the March 1, 1999 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning
Related Foreign Litigation submitted to the Patent Office, the Applicants submitted a Report of Repeat Experiment carried out at the request of the plaintiff (NAPP Pharmaceutical Group, Limited). The Report of Repeat Experiment states: "Repetition of the teaching of European Patent Application 0 147 780 (`Merck')." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 208. 209. The `798 application was filed on July 10, 1996 as a divisional application
of the `129 application. Euro-Celtique was named as the assignee for the `798 application. Since May 4, 2007, Purdue Pharma Products L.P. and Napp Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. have been the assignees of the `887 patent and the `430 patent. Napp Pharmaceutical Group Ltd. was the Plaintiff in the United Kingdom litigation captioned Napp Pharmaceutical Group Limited v. Asta Medica Group Limited. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 209. 210. The testing reported in the Report of Repeat Experiment was carried out at Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of
Temmler Pharma GmbH. Paragraph 210. 211.
In the March 1, 1999 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning
Related Foreign Litigation submitted to the Patent and Trademark Office, the Applicants stated: It is respectfully submitted that the Report of Repeat Experiment adds nothing to the Momberger report. The example made with a
33
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 34 of 50
5% polyvinyl alcohol coating falls outside of the lower limits of the claimed dissolution ranges of the EP patent (and of the pending claims as well). The IDS submitted the "Report of Repeat Experiment" to the patent examiner. The IDS was signed by Mr. Davidson, as attorney for Applicants and Euro-Celtique. The IDS also submitted the Report of Repeat Experiment. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 211. 212. 213. Denied. The Report of Repeat Experiment provides the rate of tramadol release
from PVA film-coated tablets with "PVA expressed as a percentage (w/w) of dried PVA to the weight of the film-coated tablets obtained)" of 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 213. 214. Paragraph 214 reproduces a portion of Table 4.1 entitled Rate of tramadol Except as
release from PVA film-coated tablets from the Report of Repeat Experiment. expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 214. 215.
The Report of Repeat Experiment included Summary Results in a graph Except as expressly
entitled "Rate of Tramadol Release from PVA Film-coated Tablets." admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 215. 216.
In the Report of Repeat Experiment, the reported mean rate of tramadol
release of the PVA film-coated tablets, by percent PVA, are: TIME 1 2 4 7.5% PVA 6% 58% 92% 10% PVA 17.8% 41.9% 80.0% 12.5% PVA 7.8% 27.2% 64.2% 15% PVA 3.2% 17.1% 48%
34
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 35 of 50
TIME 8 12 18 24
7.5% PVA 100% 101.3% 101.6% 101.5%
10% PVA 97.5% 100.9% 100.6% 100.5%
12.5% PVA 97.4% 101.6% 101.3% 101.7%
15% PVA 89.7% 98.7% 100.1% 100.9%
Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 216. 217. In the Report of Repeat Experiment, the reported mean rate of tramadol
release of the PVA film-coated tablets with 7.5% PVA are: TIME 1 2 4 8 12 18 24 7.5% PVA 6% 58% 92% 100% 101.3% 101.6% 101.5%
Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 217. 218. In the Report of Repeat Experiment, the reported mean rate of tramadol
release of the PVA film-coated tablets with 10% PVA and 12.5% PVA are: TIME 1 2 10% PVA 17.8% 41.9% 12.5% PVA 7.8% 27.2%
35
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 36 of 50
TIME 4 8 12 18 24
10% PVA 80.0% 97.5% 100.9% 100.6% 100.5%
12.5% PVA 64.2% 97.4% 101.6% 101.3% 101.7%
Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 218. 219. In the Report of Repeat Experiment, the reported mean rate of tramadol
release of the PVA film-coated tablets with 15% PVA are: TIME 1 2 4 8 12 18 24 15% PVA 3.2% 17.1% 48.0% 89.7% 98.7% 100.1% 100.9%
Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 219. 220. 221. 222. 223. Denied. Denied. Denied. The Report of Repeat Experiment provides the Rate of tramadol release
from PVA film-coated tablets with "PVA expressed as a percentage (w/w) of dried PVA to the
36
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 37 of 50
weight of the film-coated tablets obtained)" of 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 223. 224. The Report of Repeat Experiment provides the Rate of tramadol release
from PVA film-coated tablets with "PVA expressed as a percentage (w/w) of dried PVA to the weight of the film-coated tablets obtained)" of 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5% and 15%. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 224. 225. In the March 1, 1999 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning
Related Foreign Litigation submitted to the Patent Office, the Applicants described the affidavit of Alexander Florence that was submitted in the UK proceedings as follows: Attached hereto as Exhibit E is a copy of the Third Affidavit of Alexander Florence submitted by Napp in the U.K. litigation which addresses the experiments undertaken by defendant Asta in relation to the Merck patent application (EP 147 780). Paragraph 225 correctly quotes an excerpt from the IDS that followed, which provided the Florence Affidavit to the Examiner. That excerpt concludes "See Exhibit E," directing the Examiner to the full report. Mr. Davidson signed the IDS as attorney for Applicants and for assignee, Euro-Celtique. Paragraph 225. 226. 227. Denied. In the March 10, 2000 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of
Related Foreign Litigation, the Applicants updated the Examiner on the Opposition To European Patent No. 624 366 and the Napp Pharmaceutical Group Limited v. Asta Medica Group Limited litigation in the United Kingdom. The Applicants repeated their statements in the March 1, 1999 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning Related Foreign Litigation regarding the Experimental Report of Dr. Momberger, the Report of Repeat Experiment, the Malkowska
37
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 38 of 50
Declaration, the Third Affidavit of Alexander Florence, the expert reports submitted by defendant Asta and a copy of Plaintiff Napp's February 26, 1999 letter to the European Patent Office (EPO). Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 227. 228. 229. Denied. In the March 10, 2000 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning
Related Foreign Litigation, the Applicants submitted further information relating to proceedings in the EPO including "additional submissions to the EPO relating to novelty and lack of inventiveness (corresponding to anticipation and obviousness)." Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 229. 230. In the March 10, 2000 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning
Related Foreign Litigation, the Applicants stated: By repeating the former experiment based on Example 1 of EP 147 780 (Merck), the third Malkowska Declaration once again concludes that the release rates of tramadol in a tablet coated with polyvinyl acetate [sic] (PVA) are outside the rates claimed in the European paten in suit (EP 0 624 366), and that no real control of the release of tramadol is demonstrated by the Merck reference. The first and third Malkowska Declarations state that Example 1 of the Merck reference was not directly reproduced, either in the first or repeat experiment. The IDS was signed by Mr. Davidson as attorney for Applicants and for assignee, Euro-Celtique. The IDS also submitted the referenced Malkowska Declarations to the patent examiner. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 230. 231. In the March 10, 2000 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning
Related Foreign Litigation, the Applicants submitted the Test Report of Dr. W. Posch, Control Manager of Opposer Lannacher. The Applicants stated: "Referring to Exhibit L, tablets were prepared and coated with PVA allegedly according to Example 1 of the Merck reference." The IDS was signed by Mr. Davidson as attorney for Applicants and for assignee, Euro-Celtique. 38
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 39 of 50
The IDS also submitted the Test Report of Dr. W. Posch to the patent examiner. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 231. 232. The Test Report of Dr. W. Posch included two graphs. One is entitled
"Tramadol ret. 250 mg Filmtablettern mit 5,2% PVA" and the second is entitled "Tramadol ret. 250 mg Filmblettern mit 9,0% PVA." averments of Paragraph 232. 233. In the March 10, 2000 Information Disclosure Statement Concerning Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the
Related Foreign Litigation, the Applicants stated: Referring to Exhibit L, tablets were prepared and coated with PVA allegedly according to Example 1 of the Merck reference. In this Test Report, Dr. Posch states that the release of tramadol HCl from the film tablets he prepared (allegedly coated with 5.2% and 9.0% PVA, respectively) corresponds to that defined in claim 1 of Applicant's corresponding EP 0 624 366 patent. However, the Patentee's expert, Professor Alexander Taylor Florence, has pointed out that Dr. Posch made important modifications in the experimental procedure of Example 1 of Merck, including a precompression step (all formulations) and a multi-step, prolonged coating (at least with respect to the formulations having a 9.0% PVA coating). Important deficiencies concerning testing such as that accomplished in Exhibit L are set forth in Exhibit W, the Supplemental Expert Report of Professor Florence. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 233. 234. In the first nine pages of the March 10, 2000 Information Disclosure
Statement Concerning Related Foreign Litigation, the Applicants updated the Examiner on the opposition proceedings in the EPO related to European Patent No. 0 624 366 and the United Kingdom patent infringement litigation captioned Napp Pharmaceutical Group Limited v. Asta Medica Group Limited and submitted further information to the Patent Office regarding opposition proceeding in the EPO related to European Patent No. 0 624 366. The Applicants
39
Case 1:07-cv-00255-JJF
Document 124
Filed 05/01/2008
Page 40 of 50
submitted a brief summary of Exhibits K through T of the Information Disclosure Statement. The IDS was signed by Mr. Davidson as attorney for Applicants and for assignee, Euro-Celtique. The Exhibits themselves were also submitted to the patent examiner. Except as expressly admitted, Plaintiffs deny the averments of Paragraph 234. 235. 236. Denied. Beginning on page 10 of the March 10, 2000 Information Disclosure
Statement Concerning Related Foreign Litigation, the Applicants provided the Examiner with further information relating to the United Kingdom (UK) litigation. The Applicants submitted Exhibit W, "a copy of the Supplemental Expert Report of Professor Florence (submitted by Napp Pharmaceutical Group Limited, an associated company to Euro-Celtique, S.A., the assignee of EP 0624 366)." The Applicants also submitted a copy of Professor Florence's Report of
November 25, 1998 as Exhibit X. The Applicants stated: In his Supplementa