Sanofi Aventis - The end of the Plavix gravy train?

Poor Sanofi Aventis. The FDA has just approved the first generic version of their blood-thinning drug Plavix (clopidogrel).

The generic version is made by Canada-based Apotex Inc. The FDA's decision allows Apotex to begin selling the drug in the U.S.

Plavix is marketed in the US by both Sanofi-Aventis and BMS.

Sanofi and Bristol-Myers have sued Apotex in federal court to prevent the company from selling the drug and have alleged the generic drug violates one of the U.S. patents on Plavix that lasts until 2011. The trial is set for April 3 in federal court in New York.

Insiders' view: this blood thinner is also thin on evidence!

i-won