Celgene expects patent challenge to Revlimid

NEW YORK

Celgene expects a patent challenge to its cancer drug Revlimid, based on a posting with federal regulators, the company said Wednesday.

Celgene said it intends to defend patents on the drug and will file a complaint alleging patent infringement.

The Food and Drug Administration's website shows that a patent certification was submitted on July 12 for lenalidomide, or Revlimid. The agency does not disclose the identity of the applicant.

Celgene said it has not yet received the notice, which means a company is challenging the patent in the hopes of making a generic version of the drug.

Shares of Celgene Corp. rose 5 cents to $51.10 in morning trading.