Lupin, Mylan set to duel in US courts for Antara control

There could some rough sailing for Lupin   as one of its key US brands - anti-cholesterol drug Antara - faces competition from generic rivals with the USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) having granted final approval to Mylan's generic version of Antara, reports CNBC-TV18's Archana Shukla.

This could put some pressure on Lupin in the coming days with Mylan getting the final USFDA approval for the generic version of Antara.

Lupin had acquired the brand in 2009 and was estimated by analysts to be recording an annual sales of USD 35-45 million. So, it's a significant brand for Lupin in the US market. The patent expires in 2020 and Lupin definitely does not want any generic threat before that date and had had filed an appeal to seek an injunction for any generic entry into the US market.

Analysts estimate that if Mylan goes ahead and launches a generic product at this point in time, it will fill the distribution channels with the generic product which this will severely impact sales and margins for Lupin for this particular product.

Lupin denies the threat to their brand. Replying to queries by CNBC-TV18, Lupin spokesperson in a statement said, "We are fully enforcing our patents and have been able to get a temporary restraining order against Mylan."