United Therapeutics jumps after trial win against Liquidia
UTHR•United Therapeutics shares rose 13% after a Delaware federal court denied Liquidia’s motion to strike in a patent infringement case involving Liquidia’s Yutrepia and United Therapeutics’ Tyvaso.
1. Court denies motion
The Delaware federal court said United Therapeutics adequately disclosed its common ownership argument and gave Liquidia enough notice of the defense. The patent trial centers on whether Liquidia’s Yutrepia violates patents protecting United Therapeutics’ dry-powder inhalation treatment Tyvaso.
2. Analysts assess ruling
RBC Capital analyst Lisa Walter called the ruling a meaningful positive for United Therapeutics and said it significantly clouds Yutrepia’s path to compete. Raymond James analysts said denial of the motion to strike was negative readthrough to the final decision in the case. Liquidia shares were halted in afternoon trading.
