STAT+: Supreme Court backs generic drugmaker in ‘skinny labeling’ case

STAT PlusPharmalot Supreme Court backs generic drugmaker in ‘skinny labeling’ case The lawsuit was closely watched for its implications for the availability of generics Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Ed SilvermanJune 4, 2026 Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed Silverman[email protected]Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Hikma Pharmaceuticals did not infringe patents held by Amarin in a decision that makes generic drugmakers less vulnerable to lawsuits over so-called skinny labels. The ruling overturned a lower court decision that sided with Amarin. Generic drugmakers had argued that, if the Supreme Court also ruled in favor of Amarin, they would be discouraged from making and selling lower-cost versions of brand-name medicines, which would maintain higher prices for prescription drugs.Advertisement At issue is skinny labeling, which refers to moves by generic companies that seek regulatory approval to market a medicine for a specific use, but not other patented uses for which a brand-name drug is prescribed. For instance, a generic drug could be marketed to treat one type of heart problem but not another. In doing so, the generic company seeks to avoid lawsuits claiming patent infringement. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In legal, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, STAT+, Supreme Court Submit a correction requestReprints Ed Silverman Pharmalot Columnist, Senior Writer Ed’s stories explore prescription drug pricing, affordability and access, as well issues surrounding patents, litigation and legislation. He is also the author of the morning Pharmalittle newsletter and the afternoon Pharmalot newsletter. Newsletter From the lab to the medicine chest, these are the must-read drug industry updates of the day Recommended Pharmalot June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: For pancreatic cancer patients, an exciting drug can feel out of reach Pharmalot June 4, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about fewer pharma investments in Germany, growing U.S. layoffs, and more Advertisement Pharmalot June 3, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about GLP-1 drugs and knees, FDA cell and gene therapy guidance, and more Pharmalot June 2, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about a Lilly threat to 340B hospitals, Ebola vaccine funding, and more Pharmalot June 1, 2026 STAT Plus: Eli Lilly warns hospitals to submit claims data in the next five days or lose their 340B drug discounts Subscriber Picks