Oncology

With patent loss looming, Takeda knocks proposed Velcade copycats in FDA petition Takeda’s multiple myeloma blockbuster Velcade is quickly running out of patent protection, but the drug maker has filed a citizen petition it hopes can stave off competition for a little while longer. The Japanese pharma giant asked the FDA to hold off on approving any Velcade copies until February 2018 at the earliest, arguing that changes to its med’s label should, in turn, extend its exclusivity at least into next year. One exclusivity period for the drug stretches into 2022. Plus, some of the proposed copycats include different ingredients and should require further testing, Takeda co...