A new method of avoiding material patents virtually fails the 'prodrug' strategy, which was drawing attention. Dong-A ST lost the Forxiga patent dispute alone. Dong-A ST pushed ahead with the release of Forxiga's late drug, Dapapro, on the basis of its victory in the first trial, but the ruling put considerable pressure on sales.

◆ Dong-A ST loses patent dispute alone, Dapapro sales variable

The Supreme Court's special second division ruled in the morning of the 2nd that Dong-A ST would dismiss the appeal in an appeal filed against AstraZeneca. Forxiga is protected by two substance patents. The first substance patent (10-0728085) expires on April 7, 2023, and the second substance pate