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Contingencies and commitments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Contingencies and commitments
Contingencies and commitments
Contingencies
In the ordinary course of business, we are involved in various legal proceedings, government investigations and other matters that are complex in nature and have outcomes that are difficult to predict. See Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors—Our business may be affected by litigation and government investigations. We describe our legal proceedings and other matters that are significant or that we believe could become significant in this footnote.
We record accruals for loss contingencies to the extent that we conclude it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the related loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings and other matters that could cause an increase or decrease in the amount of the liability that has been accrued previously.
Our legal proceedings involve various aspects of our business and a variety of claims, some of which present novel factual allegations and/or unique legal theories. In each of the matters described in this filing in which we could incur a liability, our opponents seek an award of a not-yet-quantified amount of damages or an amount that is not material. In addition, a number of the matters pending against us are at very early stages of the legal process, which in complex proceedings of the sort we face often extend for several years. As a result, none of the matters described in this filing in which we could incur a liability have progressed sufficiently through discovery and/or the development of important factual information and legal issues to enable us to estimate a range of possible loss, if any, or such amounts are not material. In addition, while some of the matters described in this filing do not present circumstances in which we could incur a liability (such as some matters involving our claims that others have infringed our patents and in which such others have not asserted counterclaims against us), such matters nevertheless have the potential to significantly impact our business. While it is not possible to accurately predict or determine the eventual outcomes of these matters, an adverse determination in one or more of these matters currently pending could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
Certain recent developments concerning our legal proceedings and other matters are discussed below:
Sensipar® (cinacalcet) Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) Patent Litigation
Amgen Inc. v. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. et al.
Beginning in September 2016, Amgen filed 14 separate lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (the Delaware District Court) for infringement of our U.S. Patent No. 9,375,405 (the ’405 Patent) against a number of manufacturers of purported generic versions of our Sensipar® product. In February 2017, the Delaware District Court consolidated these 14 lawsuits into a single case, Amgen Inc. v. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. et al. The ’405 Patent is entitled “Rapid Dissolution Formulation of a Calcium Receptor-Active Compound” and expires in 2026. All defendants responding to the complaint denied infringement and sought judgment that the ’405 Patent is invalid and/or not infringed. Between September and November of 2017, Amgen filed, and the Delaware District Court signed, stipulated dismissals of the lawsuit against Micro Labs Ltd. and Micro Labs USA, Inc., and the lawsuit against Apotex Inc. and Apotex Corp. (collectively, Apotex), as well as consent judgments filed by Amgen and each of (1) Sun Pharma Global FZE, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. and Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc. (collectively, Sun) (2) Ajanta Pharma Limited and Ajanta Pharma USA, Inc., (3) Hetero USA Inc., Hetero Labs Ltd. and Hetero Labs Ltd. Unit V and (4) Breckenridge Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Breckenridge). Each consent judgment stipulated to an entry of judgment of infringement and validity of the ’405 Patent and an injunction prohibiting the manufacture, use, sale, offer to sell, importation of, or distribution into the United States of the respective defendant’s cinacalcet product during the term of the ’405 Patent unless specifically authorized pursuant to the confidential settlement agreement.
In June 2017, Amgen filed four additional lawsuits in the Delaware District Court for infringement of the ’405 Patent against additional defendants. These defendants also responded to the complaint denying infringement and seeking a declaration of noninfringement and invalidity of the ’405 Patent. One of these lawsuits was subsequently consolidated into Amgen Inc. v. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. et al. and the remaining three of these lawsuits were consolidated into a separate single case, Amgen Inc. v. Alkem et al. (see below).
On March 5, 2018, the Delaware District Court commenced trial on the infringement claims and defenses in the Amgen Inc. v. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. et al. consolidated lawsuit against the defendants that remained in the lawsuit, collectively consisting of (1) Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. and Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. (collectively, Aurobindo), (2) Watson Laboratories, Inc. and Actavis Pharma, Inc. (collectively, Watson), (3) Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York, LLC and Amneal Pharmaceuticals Co. India Private Limited, (4) Zydus Pharmaceuticals (USA) Inc. and Cadila Healthcare Ltd. (collectively, Zydus) and (5) Piramal Healthcare UK Limited (Piramal).
Just prior to trial, the Delaware District Court signed consent judgments filed by Amgen and each of Cipla Limited and Cipla USA, Inc. (collectively, Cipla) and Strides Pharma Global PTE Limited and Strides Pharma, Inc. (collectively, Strides), and in March 2018 the Delaware District Court signed a consent judgment filed by Amgen and Aurobindo. In each consent judgment, the parties stipulated to an entry of judgment of infringement and validity of the ’405 Patent and an injunction prohibiting the manufacture, use, sale, offer to sell, importation of, or distribution into the United States of the applicable defendant’s cinacalcet product during the term of the ’405 Patent unless specifically authorized pursuant to the applicable confidential settlement agreement. Just prior to trial, the Delaware District Court also entered orders dismissing each of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Ltd. and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Inc. (collectively, Dr. Reddy’s), and Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Mylan Inc. (collectively, Mylan), on stipulations between Amgen and such parties, respectively, subject to the terms of confidential settlement agreements.
On July 27, 2018, the Delaware District Court issued a trial order finding on the infringement claims and defenses in the Amgen Inc. v. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. et al. consolidated lawsuit that Zydus infringes the ’405 Patent and that Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC and Amneal Pharmaceuticals of New York, LLC (collectively, Amneal), Piramal and Watson do not infringe the ’405 Patent. On August 24, 2018, the Delaware District Court issued an order dismissing, without prejudice, the invalidity counterclaims of Amneal, Piramal and Watson and entered judgment of noninfringement of the ’405 Patent in favor of Amneal, Piramal and Watson. On September 20, 2018, Amgen filed a notice of appeal to the Federal Circuit Court. On October 9, 2018, the Delaware District Court dismissed, without prejudice, the invalidity counterclaims of Zydus and entered judgment of infringement of the ’405 Patent by Zydus in favor of Amgen, including an order that the effective date of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of Zydus’ generic version of Sensipar® shall be no earlier than the expiry date of our ’405 Patent. On October 11, 2018, Zydus filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (the Federal Circuit Court) and on October 24, 2018, the Federal Circuit Court consolidated the appeals of Zydus and Amgen.
In December 2018, the FDA approved Watson’s generic version of Sensipar® and Watson’s parent company, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Teva), began selling its product at-risk notwithstanding that the appeals were pending at the Federal Circuit Court. On January 2, 2019, Amgen, Watson and Teva entered into a settlement agreement in which Teva agreed to stop selling its generic product until the mid-year 2021, or earlier under certain circumstances, and to pay Amgen an undisclosed amount. On January 9, 2019, Watson and Amgen filed a motion asking the Delaware District Court to vacate its final judgment of noninfringement as to Watson and to enter a proposed consent judgment of infringement and validity of the ’405 Patent and an injunction prohibiting the making, having made, using, selling, offering to sell, or distributing Watson’s cinacalcet product in the United States, or importing Watson’s cinacalcet product into the United States, consistent with the confidential settlement agreement. On January 11, 2019, the Federal Circuit Court stayed the pending appeal as to Watson in order for the Delaware District Court to rule on the motion of Watson and Amgen. On January 18, 2019 and January 23, 2019, respectively, Cipla and Sun filed oppositions to the motion of Watson and Amgen.
On January 8, 2019, Cipla filed a separate lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Amgen seeking a declaration that provisions of its settlement agreement with Amgen have been triggered by Teva’s at-risk launch of Watson’s generic version of Sensipar®, giving Cipla a right to market its own generic version under its settlement agreement. Cipla’s complaint also alleges antitrust violations by Amgen. The portions of the complaint covering Cipla’s settlement agreement were filed with the court under seal and remain confidential.
Amgen Inc. v. Alkem et al.
As stated above, Amgen filed four lawsuits in June 2017 for infringement of the ’405 Patent. In December 2017, the lawsuits filed against (1) Alkem Laboratories Ltd. (Alkem), (2) Lupin Ltd. and Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (collectively, Lupin) and (3) Macleods Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and Macleods Pharma USA, Inc. (collectively, Macleods) were consolidated into a separate single case, Amgen Inc. v. Alkem et al. In each of those three lawsuits, all defendants responded to the complaint denying infringement and seeking a declaration of noninfringement and invalidity of the ’405 Patent; Macleods’ response also included a counterclaim alleging sham litigation in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act, which Amgen has denied and which the Delaware District Court stayed pending resolution of the patent claims.
In March 2018, the Delaware District Court signed a consent judgment filed by Amgen and Macleods in which the parties stipulated to an entry of judgment of infringement and validity of the ’405 Patent and an injunction prohibiting the manufacture, use, sale, offer to sell, importation of, or distribution into the United States of Macleods’ cinacalcet product during the term of the ’405 Patent unless specifically authorized pursuant to the confidential settlement agreement. In April 2018, the Delaware District Court also entered orders respectively dismissing Lupin and Alkem on stipulations between the parties, subject to the terms of confidential settlement agreements.
Other Sensipar® ANDA Patent Litigation
In December 2017, Amgen filed four additional lawsuits in the Delaware District Court for infringement of the ’405 Patent against (1) Watson, (2) Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA, Inc., (3) Barr Laboratories, Inc. and (4) Torrent Pharma Inc. and Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. These lawsuits were distinct from the suits consolidated into Amgen Inc. v. Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. et al., and all four additional suits were subsequently dismissed by agreement between Amgen and the respective defendants.
In June 2018, Amgen filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Accord Healthcare, Inc. (Accord) and Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (Intas) for infringement of the ’405 Patent. Amgen seeks an order making any FDA approval of these defendants’ generic version of Sensipar® effective no earlier than the expiration of the ’405 Patent. On September 18, 2018, Accord denied infringement of the ’405 Patent and alleged that the patent is invalid. On September 20, 2018, Intas was dismissed from the Delaware District Court lawsuit without prejudice by joint stipulation of the parties. On February 1, 2019, Accord filed a motion for summary judgment of noninfringement. Trial is scheduled to begin June 15, 2020.
On September 7, 2018, Amgen filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court for infringement of the ’405 Patent against Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Heritage Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Heritage Pharma Labs Inc. In December 2018, the Delaware District Court entered an order dismissing all defendants on a stipulation between the parties, subject to the terms of a confidential settlement agreement.
KYPROLIS® (carfilzomib) ANDA Patent Litigation
Beginning in October 2016, our subsidiary Onyx Therapeutics, Inc. (Onyx Therapeutics), filed four separate lawsuits in the Delaware District Court against: (1) Cipla, (2) Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Sagent), (3) Breckenridge and (4) Fresenius Kabi, USA LLC, Fresenius Kabi USA, Inc., Fresenius Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc. and Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited, each for infringing U.S. Patent Nos. 7,232,818 (the ’818 Patent), 7,417,042 (the ’042 Patent), 7,491,704 (the ’704 Patent), 7,737,112 (the ’112 Patent), 8,129,346 (the ’346 Patent), 8,207,125 (the ’125 Patent), 8,207,126 (the ’126 Patent), 8,207,127 (the ’127 Patent) and 8,207,297 (the ’297 Patent). By joint stipulation of the parties, Fresenius Pharmaceuticals Holding, Inc. and Fresenius Kabi Oncology Limited were subsequently dismissed from the lawsuit against them. In October and November 2016, Onyx Therapeutics also filed four separate lawsuits in the Delaware District Court against: (1) MSN Laboratories Private Limited and MSN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (collectively, MSN), (2) Dr. Reddy’s, (3) Qilu Pharma, Inc. and Qilu Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. (collectively, Qilu) and (4) Apotex, each for infringing the ’112 Patent; and a separate lawsuit against InnoPharma, Inc. (InnoPharma) for infringement of the ’042, ’112 and ’297 Patents. In April 2017, Onyx Therapeutics filed a separate lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. for infringement of the ’818, ’042, ’704, ’112, ’346, ’125, ’126, ’127 and ’297 Patents. The Delaware District Court has consolidated these ten lawsuits for purposes of discovery into a single case, Onyx Therapeutics, Inc. v. Cipla Limited., et al.
In August 2017, Onyx Therapeutics filed additional lawsuits in the Delaware District Court against InnoPharma for infringement of the ’818, ’704, ’346, ’125, ’126 and ’127 Patents; and against Apotex and Qilu for infringement of the ’818, ’042, ’704, ’346, ’125, ’126, ’127 and ’297 Patents. On September 14, 2017, the Delaware District Court consolidated these three additional lawsuits for purposes of discovery into the existing consolidated case.
In September 2017, by joint stipulation of the parties, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. was dismissed from the suit against it, leaving Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., as the remaining defendant in that litigation.
In November 2017, Onyx Therapeutics filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Aurobindo Pharma USA, Inc. (Aurobindo) for infringement of the ’818, ’042, ’704, ’112, ’346, ’125, ’126, ’127 and ’297 Patents. In December 2017, Onyx Therapeutics filed additional lawsuits in the Delaware District Court against Dr. Reddy’s for infringement of the ’818, ’042, ’704, ’346, ’125, ’126, ’127 and ’297 Patents, and against MSN for infringement of the ’112 Patent. In January 2018, Onyx Therapeutics filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Apotex for infringement of the ’818, ’042, ’704, ’112, ’346, ’125, ’126, ’127 and ’297 Patents.
In February 2018, Qilu and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. were each dismissed from the applicable lawsuits by joint stipulation of the parties. On February 7, 2018, the Delaware District Court also consolidated for purposes of discovery the lawsuit against Aurobindo into the existing consolidated case, Onyx Therapeutics, Inc. v. Cipla Limited, et al. On March 20, 2018, the Delaware District Court entered a stipulation between the parties providing Aurobindo a covenant not to sue on the ’818,’704,’346 and ’297 Patents.
On February 15, 2018, Onyx Therapeutics filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Breckenridge for patent infringement, and subsequently amended the complaint on March 9, 2018 to assert infringement of the ’042, ’112, ’125, ’126 and ’127 Patents. On April 20, 2018, Onyx Therapeutics filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Cipla for patent infringement of the ’042, ’112, ’125, ’126 and ’127 Patents.
The lawsuits filed between 2016-2018 are based on ANDAs that seek approval to market generic versions of KYPROLIS® before expiration of the asserted patent or patents. In each lawsuit, Onyx Therapeutics seeks an order of the Delaware District Court making any FDA approval of the respective defendant’s ANDA effective no earlier than the expiration of the applicable patents. Responses to the complaints have been filed by all defendants alleging invalidity and, in certain instances, noninfringement of the patents.
During April 2018, the Delaware District Court entered orders on stipulations between Onyx Therapeutics and each of Apotex, Dr. Reddy’s and Sagent, respectively, that each defendant infringes the ’042, ’112, ’125, ’126 and ’127 Patents, and that Onyx Therapeutics will not assert patent infringement of the ’818, ’704, ’346 and ’297 Patents against certain of the respective defendants’ ANDA applications and products. During May, June and July of 2018, the Delaware District Court entered orders on stipulations between Onyx Therapeutics and each of Fresenius Kabi, USA LLC and Fresenius Kabi USA, Inc. (collectively, Fresenius), Breckenridge, Aurobindo, Cipla and Innopharma, respectively, that each defendant infringes the ’042, ’112, ’125, ’126 and ’127 Patents. Onyx Therapeutics had previously provided those defendants a covenant that it would not assert patent infringement of the ’818,’704,’346 and ’297 Patents against certain of the respective defendants’ ANDA applications and products. On June 4, 2018, the Delaware District Court also entered an order on a stipulation between Onyx Therapeutics and MSN that MSN infringes the ’112 Patent.
In December 2018, Apotex, Dr. Reddy’s, Fresenius, InnoPharma, Sagent, Breckenridge, Aurobindo and Cipla amended their responses to the complaints to add the defense of unclean hands and to seek declarations of unenforceability of the asserted patents based on allegations of inequitable conduct. In January 2019, MSN amended its responses to the complaints to add the defense of unclean hands. Trial in the consolidated case is scheduled to commence on May 6, 2019.
On January 11, 2019, Onyx Therapeutics filed a separate lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Breckenridge for infringing the ’042, ’112 and ’125 Patents in connection with its ANDA that seeks approval to market generic versions of KYPROLIS® before expiration of those patents. Onyx Therapeutics seeks an order from the Delaware District Court making any FDA approval of Breckenridge’s ANDA effective no earlier than the expiration of the applicable patents.
Sandoz ENBREL (etanercept) Patent Litigation
On February 26, 2016, two affiliates of Amgen Inc. (Immunex Corporation and Amgen Manufacturing, Limited (AML) (collectively, Amgen)), along with Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche), filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (the New Jersey District Court) against Sandoz Inc., Sandoz International GmbH and Sandoz GmbH (collectively, Sandoz). This lawsuit stems from Sandoz’s submission of an application for FDA licensure of an etanercept product as biosimilar to Amgen’s ENBREL. Amgen and Roche have asserted infringement of five patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,063,182 (the ’182 Patent); 8,163,522 (the ’522 Patent); 7,915,225; 8,119,605; and 8,722,631 (the ’631 Patent). By their complaint, Amgen and Roche seek an injunction to prohibit Sandoz from commercializing its biosimilar etanercept product in the United States prior to the expiry of such patents. Responses have been filed by all Sandoz defendants denying infringement and/or asserting that the patents at issue are invalid. On August 11, 2016, and subject to the terms of a confidential stipulation, the New Jersey District Court entered a preliminary injunction prohibiting Sandoz from making, using, importing, selling or offering for sale Sandoz’s etanercept product. On August 30, 2016, the FDA approved Sandoz’s ErelziTM, a biosimilar to ENBREL.
On September 14, 2017, Amgen filed a motion for summary judgment that Sandoz infringed claim 1 of the ’631 Patent and, on October 23, 2017, Sandoz filed its brief in opposition to the motion.
On September 10, 2018, the New Jersey District Court entered an order that the making, using, offering to sell or selling in the United States, or the importation into the United States by Sandoz of Sandoz’s biosimilar etanercept product infringes the ’182 Patent and the ’522 Patent. The New Jersey District Court held a bench trial from September 11, 2018, to September 25, 2018, focusing on Sandoz’s challenges to the validity of these patents. Closing arguments were heard on November 19, 2018, and the parties await the court’s verdict.
NEUPOGEN® (filgrastim) / Neulasta® (pegfilgrastim) Patent Litigation
Adello NEUPOGEN® Patent Litigation
On March 8, 2018, Amgen Inc. and AML (collectively, Amgen) filed a lawsuit in the New Jersey District Court against Adello Biologics, LLC (Adello). This lawsuit stems from Adello’s submission of an application for FDA licensure of a filgrastim product as biosimilar to Amgen’s NEUPOGEN®. Amgen has asserted infringement of 17 of our patents. Amgen seeks an injunction to prohibit Adello from commercializing its biosimilar filgrastim product in the United States prior to the expiry of these patents. On May 17, 2018, Adello responded to Amgen’s lawsuit for patent infringement, denying infringement and seeking judgment that the patents-in-suit are invalid and not infringed.
On October 3, 2018, Amgen filed a first amended complaint in the New Jersey District Court adding as defendants Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC and Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (collectively, Amneal) and reducing the number of patents-in-suit from 17 to 4: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,940,878 (the ’878 Patent); 8,952,138 (the ’138 Patent); 9,643,997 (the ’997 Patent); and 9,856,287 (the ’287 Patent). On October 17, 2018, Adello responded to the first amended complaint, seeking judgment that our patents-in-suit are not infringed by Adello’s biosimilar filgrastim product and that our patents are invalid. On December 5, 2018, Amneal filed a motion to dismiss the claims against it for failure to state a claim and for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.
Apotex NEUPOGEN® / Neulasta® Patent Litigation
On August 7, 2018, Amgen filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Apotex for infringement of the ’287 Patent in accordance with the patent provisions of the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA). This lawsuit stems from Apotex’s submissions of applications for FDA licensure of a pegfilgrastim product as biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta® and a filgrastim product as biosimilar to Amgen’s NEUPOGEN®. By its complaint, Amgen seeks, among other remedies, an injunction prohibiting Apotex from infringing the ’287 Patent. On December 10, 2018, Apotex filed a motion to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. A hearing on the motion to dismiss is scheduled for March 15, 2019.
On October 1, 2018, Apotex and Adello Biologics, LLC filed a petition in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office requesting that the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) institute post grant review proceedings on the ’287 Patent. On January 23, 2019, Amgen filed a patent owner’s preliminary response.
On February 17, 2017, the PTAB of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted Apotex’s petition to institute an inter partes review (IPR) of the ’138 Patent, challenging claims of the ’138 Patent as unpatentable. On May 22, 2017, Amgen filed its response and oral argument was held before the PTAB on December 13, 2017. The PTAB issued a final decision on the IPR of the ’138 Patent holding all but one claim of the ’138 Patent as unpatentable. On March 16, 2018, Apotex filed a request for rehearing on the PTAB’s finding that this one claim is patentable.
Coherus Neulasta® Patent Litigation
On May 10, 2017, Amgen filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Coherus BioSciences, Inc. (Coherus) for infringement of our U.S. Patent No. 8,273,707 (the ’707 Patent). This lawsuit stems from Coherus’ submission of an application for FDA licensure of a pegfilgrastim product as biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta® under the BPCIA. By its complaint, Amgen seeks, among other remedies, an injunction prohibiting Coherus from infringing the ’707 Patent. On March 26, 2018, the Delaware District Court granted Coherus’ motion to dismiss Amgen’s complaint for failure to state a claim and final judgment was entered dismissing Amgen’s complaint on April 18, 2018. On May 17, 2018, Amgen appealed the judgment to the Federal Circuit Court. On November 2, 2018, the FDA approved Coherus’ UDENYCATM, a biosimilar to Neulasta®, which was subsequently launched in January 2019.
We are also engaged in a separate lawsuit in which we have alleged that Coherus and others misappropriated our confidential information and trade secrets through hiring of former Amgen employees and that they have used such information to develop and market UDENYCATM. Trial is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2019.
Mylan Neulasta® Patent Litigation
On September 22, 2017, Amgen Inc. and AML (collectively, Amgen) filed a lawsuit in the District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania (the Pennsylvania Western District Court) against Mylan Inc., Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc., Mylan GmbH, and Mylan N.V. (collectively, Mylan) for infringement of our ’707 Patent and the ’997 Patent. This lawsuit stems from Mylan’s submission of an application for FDA licensure of a pegfilgrastim product as biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta® under the BPCIA. By its complaint, Amgen seeks, among other remedies, an injunction prohibiting Mylan from infringing the ’707 and ’997 Patents. On November 22, 2017, Mylan answered the complaint, denying patent infringement and alleging that the patents are invalid. On April 6, 2018, Mylan filed a motion for judgment on the pleadings of noninfringement of our ’707 Patent, which was denied by the court without prejudice on November 15, 2018. On June 4, 2018, the FDA approved Mylan’s Fulphila®, a biosimilar to Neulasta®, which was subsequently launched in July 2018. On November 20, 2018, the Pennsylvania Western District Court issued a claim construction opinion and order. On January 23 and 30, 2019, Mylan filed a renewed motion for judgment on the pleadings of noninfringement of the ’707 Patent and a motion for summary judgment of noninfringement of the ’997 Patent, respectively.
Pfizer NEUPOGEN® Patent Litigation
On July 18, 2018, Amgen Inc. and AML (collectively, Amgen) filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Pfizer Inc. and Hospira Inc. (collectively, Pfizer). This lawsuit stems from Pfizer’s submission of an application for FDA licensure of a filgrastim product as biosimilar to Amgen’s NEUPOGEN®. Amgen has asserted infringement of the ’997 Patent and seeks, among other remedies, injunctive relief to prohibit Pfizer from infringing the ’997 Patent. On July 20, 2018, the FDA approved Pfizer’s NIVESTYMTM, a biosimilar to NEUPOGEN®, which was subsequently launched in October 2018.
On August 9, 2018, Pfizer answered the complaint and counterclaimed seeking a declaration that Pfizer does not infringe Amgen’s ’997 Patent and that the patent is invalid. Trial is scheduled to commence on June 15, 2020.
Sandoz NEUPOGEN® Patent Litigation
On October 24, 2014, Amgen Inc. and AML (collectively, Amgen) filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (the California Northern District Court) against Sandoz Inc., Sandoz International GmbH and Sandoz GmbH (collectively, Sandoz) for infringement of our U.S. Patent No. 6,162,427 (the ’427 Patent) and various state law claims. The lawsuit stems from Sandoz filing an application for FDA licensure of a filgrastim product as biosimilar to NEUPOGEN® under the BPCIA, while having deliberately failed to comply with the BPCIA’s disclosure requirement to Amgen as the reference product sponsor. By its complaint, Amgen seeks, among other remedies, an injunction to cease Sandoz’s unauthorized reliance on Amgen’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for filgrastim and an injunction to prevent infringement of the ’427 Patent.
On March 19, 2015, the California Northern District Court issued an order dismissing with prejudice Amgen’s state law claims and entered judgment in favor of Sandoz Inc. on its cross-motion for partial judgment on the pleadings. The order also denied Amgen’s motion for a preliminary injunction, as well as Amgen’s motion for partial judgment on the pleadings. On a joint motion of the parties, on March 25, 2015, the California Northern District Court entered final judgment on the claims and counterclaims decided by the court’s March 19 order. The remaining patent infringement claim, counterclaim and defenses were stayed by the court pending appeal. On March 25, 2015, Amgen appealed both the judgment in favor of Sandoz Inc. and the denial of Amgen’s motion for preliminary injunction to the Federal Circuit Court. On May 5, 2015, the Federal Circuit Court entered an injunction prohibiting Sandoz Inc. from marketing, selling, offering for sale, or importing into the United States Sandoz’s FDA-approved Zarxio® biosimilar product until the Federal Circuit Court resolved the appeal.
On July 21, 2015, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed the California Northern District Court’s dismissal of Amgen’s state law claims concluding that the only remedies available for a biosimilar applicant’s failure to provide its BLA by the statutory deadline is to bring a patent infringement claim and seek those patent remedies provided by the statute. The Federal Circuit Court also concluded that a biosimilar applicant must give 180-day advance notice of first commercial marketing after the FDA has licensed the biosimilar product. Accordingly, the Federal Circuit Court entered an order that its previously entered injunction be extended through September 2, 2015 (180 days from Sandoz Inc.’s notice given after FDA approval).
In 2016, Sandoz filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court and Amgen filed a conditional cross-petition for certiorari. Both petitions were granted and on June 12, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the Federal Circuit Court ruling that a biosimilar applicant must wait to give the 180-day advance notice of first commercial marketing until after the FDA has licensed the biosimilar product, holding that such notice can be given either before or after the FDA approval. The U.S. Supreme Court also vacated the Federal Circuit Court’s decision that the only remedy available when a biosimilar applicant refuses to provide its BLA is to bring a patent infringement claim. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed with the Federal Circuit Court that there is no remedy under federal law for failing to make the disclosure but remanded the case to the Federal Circuit Court to determine whether California law would treat noncompliance with such requirement as unlawful and, if so, to determine whether the BPCIA pre-empts any additional remedy available under state law and whether Sandoz forfeited any pre-emption defense. On December 14, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court affirmed the California Northern District Court’s dismissal of Amgen’s state law claims, holding that the BPCIA pre-empts state law remedies for a biosimilar applicant’s failure to comply with the BPCIA’s disclosure requirement.
Following the California Northern District Court’s September 8, 2015 lift of the stay of the case, the parties continued to litigate the remaining patent infringement claim, counterclaim and defenses. On October 15, 2015, Amgen filed a first supplemental and amended complaint adding to the lawsuit Sandoz’s infringement of the ’878 Patent, which covers methods of purifying proteins. On September 13, 2017, by joint stipulation of the parties, the California Northern District Court dismissed from the case the parties’ respective claims and counterclaims related to the ’427 Patent. On October 25, 2017, Sandoz filed motions for summary judgment of noninfringement of the ’878 Patent and for summary judgment regarding damages. On December 19, 2017, the California Northern District Court granted Sandoz’s summary judgment of noninfringement. Sandoz’s motion for summary judgment regarding damages was denied as moot. On January 8, 2018, the California Northern District Court entered judgment of noninfringement of the ’878 and ’427 Patents and dismissed without prejudice Sandoz’s counterclaims of invalidity of the ’878 and ’427 Patents. On February 5, 2018, Amgen appealed the judgment to the Federal Circuit Court. A hearing on the appeal has been scheduled for March 4, 2019.
Sandoz Neulasta® Patent Litigation
On May 12, 2016, Amgen filed a lawsuit in the California Northern District Court against Sandoz and Lek Pharmaceuticals d.d. for infringement of the ’878 Patent and U.S. Patent No. 5,824,784 (the ’784 Patent) in accordance with the patent provisions of the BPCIA. The lawsuit stems from Sandoz filing an application for FDA licensure of a pegfilgrastim product as biosimilar to Neulasta®. On June 23, 2016, Sandoz responded to the complaint, denying infringement and seeking judgment that the patents-in-suit are invalid and/or not infringed. On December 7, 2016, by joint stipulation of the parties, the California Northern District Court dismissed from the case all claims and counterclaims related to the ’784 Patent. On October 25, 2017, Sandoz filed motions for summary judgment of noninfringement of the ’878 Patent and for summary judgment regarding damages. On December 19, 2017, the California Northern District Court granted Sandoz’s summary judgment of noninfringement of the ’878 Patent. Sandoz’s motion for summary judgment regarding damages was denied as moot. On January 8, 2018, the California Northern District Court entered judgment of noninfringement of the ’878 Patent and dismissed without prejudice Sandoz’s counterclaims of invalidity of the ’878 Patent. On February 5, 2018, Amgen appealed the judgment to the Federal Circuit Court. A hearing on the appeal has been scheduled for March 4, 2019.
PCSK9 Antibody Patent Litigation
U.S. Patent Litigation-Sanofi/Regeneron
On October 17, 2014, Amgen initiated a series of lawsuits in the Delaware District Court against Sanofi, Aventisub LLC, formerly doing business as Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Regeneron) for patent infringement. On December 15, 2014, these lawsuits were consolidated by the Delaware District Court into a single case against Sanofi, Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC and Aventisub LLC, formerly doing business as Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (collectively, Sanofi) and Regeneron, addressing seven of our patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,563,698; 8,829,165 (the ’165 Patent); 8,859,741 (the ’741 Patent); 8,871,913; 8,871,914; 8,883,983; and 8,889,834. These patents describe and claim monoclonal antibodies to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). By its complaints, Amgen seeks an injunction to prevent the infringing manufacture, use and sale of Sanofi and Regeneron’s alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting PCSK9. On January 29, 2016, the Delaware District Court granted Amgen’s motion to amend the complaint to add AML and Amgen USA Inc. as plaintiffs and to add the allegation that defendants’ infringement of Amgen’s patents is willful.
On February 22, 2016, the Delaware District Court entered a stipulated order finding alirocumab and the drug product containing it, PRALUENT®, infringe certain of Amgen’s patents, including claims 2, 7, 9, 15, 19 and 29 of the ’165 Patent and claim 7 of the ’741 Patent. On March 18, 2016, the Delaware District Court entered judgment in favor of Amgen following a five-day jury trial and a unanimous jury verdict that these patent claims from the ’165 Patent and the ’741 Patent are all valid. On January 3, 2017, the Delaware District Court denied Sanofi and Regeneron’s post-trial motions seeking a new trial and for judgment as a matter of law, and on January 5, 2017, granted Amgen’s motion for a permanent injunction prohibiting the infringing manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of alirocumab in the United States.
On January 12, 2017, Sanofi and Regeneron filed an appeal of the judgment and the permanent injunction to the Federal Circuit Court. On February 8, 2017, following a motion by Sanofi and Regeneron, the Federal Circuit Court entered a stay of the permanent injunction during the pendency of the appeal. On October 5, 2017, the Federal Circuit Court reversed in part the judgment of the Delaware District Court and remanded for a new trial two of Sanofi and Regeneron’s patent validity defenses (failure to meet the law’s requirements for patentability of written description and enablement of the claimed inventions), and affirmed the Delaware District Court’s judgment of infringement of claims 2, 7, 9, 15, 19 and 29 of the ’165 Patent and claim 7 of the ’741 Patent and patent validity on Sanofi and Regeneron’s third patent validity defense (finding that the claimed inventions were not obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the field of the patents). The Federal Circuit Court also vacated and remanded for further consideration by the Delaware District Court the permanent injunction. On July 23, 2018, Amgen filed a petition for certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking review of the Federal Circuit Court’s conclusion that the judgment affirming the validity of Amgen’s patents was based, in part, on an erroneous application of the law of written description. On January 7, 2019, the Supreme Court denied Amgen’s petition for certiorari.
On remand from the appellate court, the Delaware District Court scheduled a new trial to begin on February 19, 2019 on Sanofi and Regeneron’s challenges to the validity of our patents based on lack of written description and enablement of the claimed inventions. Consideration of damages and injunctive relief will follow, as appropriate. The court also entered judgment on the pleadings for Sanofi and Regeneron on Amgen’s claim of willful infringement.
Patent Disputes in the International Region
On February 24, 2016, the European Patent Office (EPO) granted European Patent No. 2,215,124 (EP 2,215,124) to Amgen. This patent describes and claims monoclonal antibodies to PCSK9 and methods of treatment. On February 24, 2016, Sanofi filed an opposition to the patent in the EPO seeking to invalidate it. In November 2016, Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Sanofi-Aventis Groupe S.A. and Sanofi Winthrop Industrie S.A. filed a joint opposition against Amgen’s patent, and each of Eli Lilly and Company, Regeneron and Strawman Ltd. also filed oppositions to Amgen’s patent. Following a three-day hearing, on November 30, 2018, the EPO confirmed the validity of Amgen’s EP 2,215,124.
We are also involved in and expect future involvement in additional disputes regarding our PCSK9 patents in other jurisdictions and regions, including matters filed against us and that we have filed in the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Japan.
Hospira EPOGEN® (epoetin alfa) Patent Litigation
On September 18, 2015, Amgen filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court against Hospira, Inc. (Hospira), a subsidiary of Pfizer, for infringement of Amgen’s U.S. Patent Nos. 5,856,298 (the ’298 Patent) and 5,756,349 (the ’349 Patent) in accordance with the patent provisions of the BPCIA and for a declaration that Hospira has failed to comply with certain requirements of the BPCIA. This lawsuit stems from the submission by Hospira under the BPCIA of an application for FDA licensure of an epoetin product as biosimilar to Amgen’s EPOGEN®. By its complaint, Amgen seeks, among other remedies, an injunction prohibiting Hospira from using or selling infringing cells and/or product manufactured during the ’298 or the ’349 Patent terms and enjoining Hospira from commencing commercial marketing of any biosimilar epoetin product until a date that is at least 180 days after Hospira provides legally effective notice to Amgen.
On August 19, 2016, Hospira responded to the complaint denying patent infringement and any violation of the BPCIA and seeking judgment that the patents-in-suit are invalid and not infringed by Hospira. On January 23, 2017, the Delaware District Court entered an order construing the claims of the ’349 and ’298 Patents and holding that two claims of the ’298 Patent are invalid for failure to properly narrow the claim on which they depend.
On September 22, 2017, after a five-day trial, the jury returned a verdict finding the ’298 Patent valid and infringed by Hospira and the ’349 Patent not infringed. The jury awarded Amgen $70 million in damages for Hospira’s infringement. On October 23, 2017, Hospira moved for judgment as a matter of law of noninfringement and invalidity of the ’298 Patent or, in the alternative, for reduction of the damage award or a new trial on the ’298 Patent.
On May 15, 2018, the FDA approved Hospira’s RETACRIT®, a biosimilar to EPOGEN®, which was subsequently launched on November 14, 2018.
On August 27, 2018, the Delaware District Court denied Hospira’s October 23, 2017, motion and entered final judgment on September 11, 2018. On October 3, 2018, Hospira filed a notice of appeal to the Federal Circuit Court and on October 15, 2018, Amgen filed a notice of cross-appeal.
Litigation relating to our Biosimilar Products
MVASITM (bevacizumab-awwb) Patent Litigation
On October 6 and October 18, 2017, Genentech, Inc. (Genentech) and City of Hope filed separate lawsuits in the Delaware District Court respectively alleging Amgen’s infringement of (i) 24 of the 27 patents listed by Genentech in the BPCIA exchange and (ii) 25 of the same 27 patents, in each case by Amgen’s submission for FDA licensure of MVASITM as biosimilar to Genentech’s Avastin® (bevacizumab), and for non-compliance with certain provisions of the BPCIA. On December 6, 2017, Genentech and City of Hope amended their complaints to allege that Amgen will also infringe newly issued U.S. Patent No. 9,795,672. On April 17, 2018, the Delaware District Court granted Amgen’s motion to dismiss certain claims by Genentech and City of Hope that Amgen had not complied with the BPCIA.
Amgen responded to the complaints on May 1 and June 5, 2018, respectively, denying patent infringement and any violation of the BPCIA and seeking judgment that the patents-in-suit are invalid, unenforceable and/or not infringed by Amgen. On May 22 and June 19, 2018, respectively, Genentech and City of Hope moved to dismiss from each case all of Amgen’s counterclaims and certain of Amgen’s defenses.
On August 31, 2018, in accordance with the scheduling order issued by the Delaware District Court, Genentech and City of Hope reduced the number of asserted patents in each lawsuit to 8, asserting the same patents in each case. On October 22, 2018, the two cases were consolidated by the court. Trial is scheduled to begin on July 13, 2020.
KANJINTITM (trastuzumab) Patent Litigation
On June 21, 2018, Genentech and City of Hope filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court alleging Amgen’s infringement of 37 patents by Amgen’s submission of an application for FDA licensure of KANJINTITM, Amgen’s biosimilar version of Genentech’s Herceptin® (trastuzumab). On July 19, 2018, Genentech, City of Hope and Amgen filed a joint stipulation to dismiss certain of the patents from the lawsuit and Genentech and City of Hope filed an amended complaint narrowing its allegations of infringement to 18 of the 37 patents. Among other remedies, Genentech and City of Hope seek injunctive relief prohibiting patent infringement.
On August 23, 2018, Genentech and City of Hope moved to dismiss Amgen’s unenforceability counterclaims and affirmative defense. On November 7, 2018, in accordance with the scheduling order issued by the Delaware District Court, Genentech and City of Hope reduced the number of asserted patents from 18 to 10. On January 17, 2019, Genentech and the City of Hope filed a second amended complaint that removed one of the remaining 10 asserted patents and added a different patent. Trial is scheduled to begin on or after December 9, 2019.
AMJEVITATM (adalimumab-atto) / AMGEVITATM Patent Litigation
On January 24, 2019, Coherus filed a lawsuit in the Delaware District Court that the formulation of AMJEVITATM infringes three patents: U.S. Patent Nos. 10,155,039; 10,159,732; and 10,159,733. By its complaint, Coherus seeks, among other remedies, injunctive relief prohibiting patent infringement.
Amgen has also been sued in a number of European countries by Fresenius Kabi Deutschland GmbH (Fresenius), alleging that AMGEVITATM infringes various patents of Fresenius and seeking, among other remedies, injunctive relief prohibiting patent infringement.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts-Patient Assistance Investigation
Amgen, together with other companies in our industry, has received inquiries from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts relating to support of charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that provide financial assistance to Medicare patients. Amgen is cooperating with this ongoing inquiry.
Commitments
Lease commitments
We lease certain facilities and equipment related primarily to administrative, R&D, sales and marketing activities under noncancelable operating leases that expire through 2029. The following table summarizes the minimum future rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
 
Amounts
2019
$
164

2020
126

2021
113

2022
64

2023
56

Thereafter
46

Total minimum operating lease commitments
$
569


Included in the table above are future rental commitments for abandoned leases in the amount of $222 million. There were no material charges for lease abandonments related to the restructuring plan that commenced in 2014. See Note 2, Restructuring. We expect to receive total future rental income of $203 million relating to noncancelable subleases of abandoned facilities. Rental expenses on operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, were $166 million, $159 million and $134 million, respectively.
U.S. repatriation tax commitments
Under the 2017 Tax Act, we elected to pay the repatriation tax related primarily to our prior indefinitely invested earnings of our foreign operations in eight annual installments. See Note 7, Income taxes. The following table summarizes the remaining scheduled repatriation tax payments as of December 31, 2018 (in millions):
 
Amounts
2019
$
586

2020
586

2021
586

2022
586

2023
1,099

Thereafter
3,296

Total remaining U.S. repatriation tax commitments
$
6,739