Developing Story
Lundbeck vs. Biogaran – Nalmefene Patent Dispute (Milan & Paris)
Lundbeck is litigating simultaneously in Milan and Paris against Biogaran over patents covering nalmefene (Selincro), its EU-approved treatment for alcohol dependence. The dispute is a multi-jurisdictional originator-vs-generic pharmaceutical patent battle with significant implications for European market entry timing.
Importance: 62%Confidence: 78%Mentions: 1Updated: April 12, 2026
## Overview
Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck is engaged in parallel patent litigation against French generic manufacturer Biogaran in both Milan and Paris over nalmefene, an opioid antagonist approved in the EU for reducing alcohol dependence. Lundbeck markets nalmefene under the brand name Selincro. The dispute follows a familiar pharma originator-vs-generic pattern across multiple European jurisdictions.
## Background on Nalmefene
- Opioid antagonist that blocks dopamine-reward receptors to reduce alcohol craving.
- Approved in EU specifically for alcohol dependence reduction (not full abstinence).
- Marketed by Lundbeck as **Selincro**.
- Biogaran is seeking to enter market with a generic equivalent.
## Litigation Landscape
- **Milan proceedings**: Italian courts have jurisdiction over Italian market entry by Biogaran.
- **Paris proceedings**: French courts addressing French market; Biogaran is a subsidiary of French generics giant Servier group.
- Multi-jurisdictional strategy by Lundbeck typical of pharma patent defense to delay generic entry across key EU markets.
## Strategic Significance
### For Pharma/Life Sciences Attorneys
- Pre-UPC national litigation remains relevant for pharma disputes where patent holders seek jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction delays.
- Italy and France are large pharmaceutical markets; injunctive relief in either significantly impacts generic launch economics.
- Biogaran's French parentage (Servier group) gives it resources for sustained multi-front litigation.
### For Generic Manufacturers
- Illustrates the continued cost of pan-European generic launches against entrenched originator IP.
- Nalmefene's specific indication (alcohol dependence) is a relatively niche but growing therapeutic area—commercial stakes are meaningful but not blockbuster.
## Parties
| Party | Role |
|---|---|
| Lundbeck | Originator/Patentee |
| Biogaran | Generic manufacturer/Defendant |
| Milan court | Italian proceedings |
| Paris court | French proceedings |
## Watch Points
- Outcome of PI applications in either jurisdiction.
- Whether Lundbeck pursues UPC route for future nalmefene patent disputes.
- Whether Biogaran successfully invalidates the relevant patent(s).
- Timeline for generic market entry and pricing impact.