(June 14, 2016, 1:15 PM EDT) -- ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A patented method of treating rheumatoid arthritis with anti-tumor necrosis factor α (anti-TNFα) combined with the anti-rheumatic drug methotrexate (MTX) is likely invalid, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board concluded June 13 (Coherus BioSciences Inc. v. Abbvie Biotechnology Ltd., No. IPR2016-00188, PTAB).

(Decision available. Document #16-160620-016Z.)

The ruling came in response to a petition for inter partes review (IPR) by Coherus BioSciences Inc., which alleges invalidity of claims 1-4 of respondent Abbvie Biotechnology Ltd.’s U.S. patent No. 9,017,680. According to the board, the...