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Germany Remains In The Dark On UPC Implementation

 
• By Aidan Fry

With a constitutional challenge still pending in Germany, and lingering uncertainties over Brexit, Germany's federal government appears to have little idea when a planned European Unified Patent Court could come into effect.

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GERMAN LEGAL ISSUES AND BREXIT ARE CREATING CERTAINTY AROUND THE UPC's CREATION • Source: Shutterstock

Implementation of a Europe-wide agreement on a Unified Patent Court appears to be no nearer, according to parliamentary answers provided by Germany’s federal government. Delays caused by a constitutional challenge that is holding up the necessary ratification of the UPC agreement by Germany are being compounded by uncertainties over the effects on the deal of the UK’s planned withdrawal from the EU on 31 October.

While European legislation laying down the framework for the UPC and European unitary patents came into effect in early 2013, the agreement on creating the court covering 25 countries and...

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Europe’s UPC Issues Landmark Ruling On Second Medical Use Claims

 
• By Neena Brizmohun

The verdict by the Unified Patent Court in the dispute between Sanofi/Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Amgen explains what companies should look out for when deciding whether infringement has taken place when it comes to second medical use patents.

Life After Loper: Vaping Case Shows US FDA Retains Considerable Deference

 
• By Craig Bleifer, Royce DuBiner, Max Bogost, Michael Brody, and Allyson Maur

A US Supreme Court ruling in favor of the agency in an e-cigarette case has implications for drugs and other medical products as the justices decided not to disturb the FDA’s ‘change in position’ authority, while also creating a complex new landscape.

HHS Secretary Kennedy Says Trump Will Make Final Decision On Mifepristone Policy

 
• By Derrick Gingery

With an FDA review ongoing, Kennedy’s admission, made during a Senate hearing on the Health and Human Services Department’s budget request, suggests political officials could supersede scientific decisions.

Medicare Negotiation Does Not Violate Due Process, Appeals Court Rules, Other Suits At Risk

 
• By Cathy Kelly

Decision in AstraZeneca’s lawsuit against the Health and Human Services Department is a precedent-setting victory for the government and a blow to manufacturer efforts to block the price negotiation program.

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Could EU Collective Procurement Counter US Most Favored Nation Policy?

 
• By Francesca Bruce

Joint procurement, if used by member states to respond to potential pricing and access challenges caused by a US most favored nations pricing policy, would cause more uncertainty for pharmaceutical companies, warn industry representatives.

EMA Says Digital Transformation A ‘Fundamental Shift’ In Meeting Regulatory Challenges

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Sponsors can expect faster evaluation processes for key medicines and greater support in mitigating medicines supply shortages this year as part of the European Medicines Agency’s digital transformation overhaul.

EU CHMP Opinions And MAA Updates

 
• By Neena Brizmohun

This is an update of recommendations from the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use on the authorization of new medicines in the EU, and updates on EU marketing authorization changes recommended by the CHMP.