AbbVie Resolves HUMIRA® Patent Disputes with Amgen

AbbVie has announced a global resolution of all intellectual property-related litigation with Amgen over Amgen's proposed biosimilar adalimumab product.

Under the terms of the settlement agreements, AbbVie will grant to Amgen a non-exclusive license to AbbVie's intellectual property relating to HUMIRA beginning on certain dates in certain countries in which AbbVie has intellectual property.  The license period will begin on Jan. 31, 2023 in the U.S., on Oct. 16, 2018 in most countries in the European Union, and on other dates in various countries in which AbbVie has intellectual property.  Amgen will pay royalties as specified under the agreements. The precise terms are confidential between the parties. All litigation pending between the parties will be dismissed, and Amgen has acknowledged the validity of AbbVie's intellectual property related to HUMIRA.

"We are pleased to have reached this settlement with Amgen which respects the breadth and strength of our intellectual property portfolio," said Laura Schumacher, executive vice president, external affairs, general counsel and corporate secretary, AbbVie.  "As an innovation driven bio-pharmaceutical company, we believe intellectual property is essential to protect the investment in science and advance novel cures for the toughest health challenges.  In reaching this agreement, we have achieved the balance between protecting investment in innovation and providing access to biosimilars, which will play an important role in our health care system. We will continue to defend our intellectual property and to reinvest in further advancements in medicine to bring choices to patients in need."