Supreme Court rules generic maker Hikma does not infringe Amarin patents, easing skinny-label lawsuits

The U.S. Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision that Hikma Pharmaceuticals did not violate patents owned by Amarin. The high court overturned a lower court ruling that had favored the brand name company.

The case centered on skinny labeling, a practice where generic manufacturers seek approval to sell a drug for a limited indication while avoiding patented uses. By limiting the label, generics aim to sidestep infringement claims.

The ruling reduces the risk of patent lawsuits for generic firms, potentially encouraging the launch of lower cost versions of branded medicines and supporting broader drug price affordability.