Lilly Claim Over Hospira’s Gemzar Copy to Be Reviewed By ITC

Eli Lilly & Co.’s patent-infringement claim over Hospira Inc.’s generic version of the cancer treatment Gemzar will be investigated by a U.S. trade agency with the power to block imports of the copycat drug.

The U.S. International Trade Commission in Washington said today it will probe the complaint Lilly filed Jan. 20. Indianapolis-based Lilly claims Hospira’s gemcitabine, Gemzar’s active ingredient, infringes a patent expiring in February 2014.