University sues over patent for cholesterol drug Crestor
CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Medical University of South Carolina is accusing a drug manufacturing giant of ripping off an MUSC scientist’s intellectual property.
The Post and Courier of Charleston reports that MUSC’s Foundation for Research Development and Charleston Medical Therapeutics sued Delaware-based AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals in December for patent infringement.
The federal Food and Drug Administration approved the use of cholesterol drug Crestor to treat vascular inflammation in 2010. The lawsuit says the FDA approval infringes on patents first obtained by MUSC’s Dr. Inderjit Singh in 2003.
MUSC also says AstraZeneca shouldn’t be allowed to market and sell Crestor as a medication to treat patients with vascular inflammation without a history or risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke.
A spokesman for AstraZeneca says the drug maker will defend itself against the allegations.
Georgia man gets 7 years in Alabama fraud scheme
MOBILE, Ala. — The leader of a multi-state operation selling stolen merchandise on the online auction site eBay has been sentenced to seven years in prison and ordered to forfeit nearly $1.7 million.
U.S. District Judge William Steele imposed the sentence Monday on Jason Christopher Spellen of Conyers, Ga. The 28-year-old defendant pleaded guilty in March to Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization conspiracy.
Federal prosecutors described him as a leader of what they called the “Spellen Enterprise.” They said the group sold fraudulently obtained and stolen electronics on eBay and by other means. They said the operation spanned 26 states and involved 14,000 items.
A dozen others have pleaded guilty and received up to 10 years in prison. Spellen’s sentence was less because he cooperated with investigators.
Annual economic conference to feature forecasts
The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Economic Outlook Luncheon at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront.
State, regional and national economic forecasts will be given by Charles B. Knapp, dean of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business. The local forecast will be presented by Michael Toma, Armstrong Atlantic State University.
Attendees will receive the 2014 Economic Trends publication compiled through research from Armstrong Atlantic State University.
Tickets are $40 for Chamber members, $50 for non-members.
RSVP by Friday, Jan. 10, to 912-644-6432 or MRussell@SavannahChamber.com.
Gulfstream is the title sponsor. Presenting sponsors are Colony Bank, Gas South, Wendy’s, Georgia Power, Savannah Tire, Stage Front Presentation Systems, the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, the Savannah Chamber, Armstrong Atlantic State University and Visit Savannah.