81_FR_51613 81 FR 51463 - Certain Recombinant Factor VIII Products; Determination To Review In Part a Final Initial Determination Finding No Violation of Section 337 and a Summary Determination; Schedule for Filing Written Submissions on One Issue Under Review and on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding

81 FR 51463 - Certain Recombinant Factor VIII Products; Determination To Review In Part a Final Initial Determination Finding No Violation of Section 337 and a Summary Determination; Schedule for Filing Written Submissions on One Issue Under Review and on Remedy, the Public Interest, and Bonding

INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 150 (August 4, 2016)

Page Range51463-51465
FR Document2016-18464

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade Commission has determined to review in part (1) the final initial determination (``FID'') issued by the presiding administrative law judge (``ALJ'') on May 27, 2016, finding no violation of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337); and (2) the initial determination issued on February 26, 2016, granting a summary determination of infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,100,061 (the ``Summary ID'') (Order No. 30). On review, the Commission has determined to reverse the FID's finding that the economic prong of the domestic industry was not met for either asserted patent. Other issues remain on review.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 150 (Thursday, August 4, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 150 (Thursday, August 4, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51463-51465]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18464]



[[Page 51463]]

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INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Investigation No. 337-TA-956]


Certain Recombinant Factor VIII Products; Determination To Review 
In Part a Final Initial Determination Finding No Violation of Section 
337 and a Summary Determination; Schedule for Filing Written 
Submissions on One Issue Under Review and on Remedy, the Public 
Interest, and Bonding

AGENCY: U.S. International Trade Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. International Trade 
Commission has determined to review in part (1) the final initial 
determination (``FID'') issued by the presiding administrative law 
judge (``ALJ'') on May 27, 2016, finding no violation of section 337 of 
the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337); and (2) the 
initial determination issued on February 26, 2016, granting a summary 
determination of infringement of U.S. Patent No. 6,100,061 (the 
``Summary ID'') (Order No. 30). On review, the Commission has 
determined to reverse the FID's finding that the economic prong of the 
domestic industry was not met for either asserted patent. Other issues 
remain on review.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron Traud, Office of the General 
Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., 
Washington, DC 20436, (202) 205-3427. Copies of non-confidential 
documents filed in connection with this investigation are or will be 
available for inspection during official business hours (8:45 a.m. to 
5:15 p.m.) in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade 
Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436, (202) 205-2000. 
General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained at 
http://www.usitc.gov. The public record for this investigation may be 
viewed on the Commission's electronic docketing system (EDIS) at http://edis.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information 
on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD 
terminal at (202) 205-1810.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 22, 2015, the Commission instituted 
this investigation pursuant to section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, 
as amended, based on a complaint filed by Baxter Healthcare Corporation 
and Baxter Healthcare SA, both of Deerfield, Illinois. 80 FR 29745 (May 
22, 2015). Baxalta Inc., Baxalta US Inc., and Baxalta GmbH were added 
as complainants after the filing of the complaint. 80 FR 62569 (Oct. 
16, 2015). (The complainants are collectively referred to as 
``Baxter.'') The Commission sought to determine whether there is a 
violation of section 337(a)(1)(B) in the importation into the United 
States, the sale for importation into the United States, or the sale 
within the United States after importation of certain recombinant 
factor VIII products by reason of infringement of any of claims 19-21, 
36, 37, and 39 of U.S. Patent No. 6,100,061 (``the '061 patent''); 
claims 20 and 21 of U.S. Patent No. 6,936,441 (``the '441 patent''); 
and claims 1, 5, 8, 10, 14, and 18 of U.S. Patent No. 8,084,252 (``the 
'252 patent''). 80 FR at 29746. The Commission directed the ALJ to make 
findings of fact and provide a recommended determination with respect 
to the statutory public interest factors set forth in 19 U.S.C. 
1337(d)(1), (f)(1), and (g)(1). Id. The notice of investigation named 
as respondents Novo Nordisk A/S of Bagsvaerd, Denmark and Novo Nordisk 
Inc., of Plainsboro, NJ (collectively, ``Novo Nordisk''). Id. The 
Office of Unfair Import Investigations (``OUII'') is also a party to 
this investigation. Id.
    On December 8, 2015, Baxter moved for partial termination of this 
investigation based on the withdrawal of claims 21, 36, 37, and 39 of 
the '061 patent; claims 1 and 10 of the '252 patent; and claims 20 and 
21 of the '441 patent. That motion was granted, leaving only claims 19 
and 20 of the '061 and claims 5, 8, 14, and 18 of the '252 patent at 
issue. Order No. 23 (Dec. 10, 2016), unreviewed, Notice of Commission 
Determination Not to Review an Initial Determination Granting a Motion 
for Partial Termination of the Investigation with Respect to Certain 
Claims (Jan. 6, 2016).
    On September 17, 2015, the ALJ issued Order No. 11, which construed 
the terms ``protein-free conditions'' and ``protein-free medium'' in 
the asserted claims of each asserted patent. On December 4, 2015, Novo 
Nordisk moved for reconsideration. On January 7, 2016, the ALJ issued 
Order No. 25, which granted the motion and reaffirmed her previous 
claim constructions. On January 11, 2016, Baxter filed a motion 
requesting a summary determination that the accused products infringe 
claims 19 and 20 of the '061 patent. On February 26, 2016, the ALJ 
issued an initial determination (``ID'') (Order No. 30), which granted 
the motion. On February 29, 2016, Novo Nordisk filed a petition 
requesting that the Commission review Order Nos. 11, 25, and 30. On 
March 29, 2016, the Commission determined to defer its decision on 
whether to review those orders until the date on which the Commission 
determines whether to review the ALJ's final ID (FID). Notice of Comm'n 
Determination to Extend the Date for Determining Whether to Review a 
Non-Final Initial Determination Granting Complainants' Motion for 
Summary Determination that the Accused Products Infringe U.S. Patent 
No. 6,100,061 (Mar. 29, 2016).
    On May 27, 2016, the ALJ issued the FID, which found no violation 
of section 337 as to either remaining asserted patent. Regarding the 
'061 patent, the ALJ concluded (1) claims 19 and 20 are invalid as 
anticipated under 35 U.S.C. 102(g) and obvious under 35 U.S.C. 103; (2) 
the economic prong of the domestic industry requirement is not met; and 
(3) the technical prong of the domestic industry requirement is met by 
Baxter's Advate product. Regarding the '252 patent, the ALJ concluded 
(1) Novo Nordisk has not established the invalidity of any asserted 
claim; (2) Baxter failed to establish the economic prong of the 
domestic industry requirement; (3) the technical prong of the domestic 
industry requirement is met by Advate; and (4) Novo Nordisk's Novoeight 
is made by a process that infringes claims 5, 8, 14, and 18.
    On June 3, 2016, the ALJ issued her Recommended Determination on 
Remedy, Bonding, and the Public Interest, which contingently recommends 
both a limited exclusion order (``LEO'') and cease and desist orders 
(``CDOs''). If the Commission finds a Section 337 violation, the ALJ 
recommended that an LEO should be issued that excludes recombinant 
factor VIII products manufactured by processes that infringe the 
asserted claims. The ALJ further recommended that the LEO should not 
extend to products imported to support clinical trials in the United 
States and that Novo Nordisk should be required to certify to U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection that any imported Novoeight will be used 
solely for such trials. The ALJ additionally recommended that the LEO 
provide for a grace period of 60 days from the end of the Presidential 
review period before the LEO is enforced. Furthermore, the ALJ 
recommend that a CDO containing the above exception and grace period be 
directed to each respondent. The ALJ also recommended that no bond 
should be required during the Presidential review period.
    On June 13, 2016, Baxter and OUII filed petitions for review of the 
FID, and Novo Nordisk filed a contingent petition for review. OUII and 
Baxter each

[[Page 51464]]

petitioned for review of the ALJ's determination that Baxter did not 
meet the economic prong of the domestic industry requirement. Baxter 
additionally petitioned for review of the FID's conclusions that the 
asserted claims of the '061 patent are anticipated and rendered 
obvious. Novo Nordisk's contingent petition challenged the ALJ's 
construction of ``protein-free'' in the asserted patents; the ALJ's 
construction of ``selective pressure for the selective marker'' in the 
'252 patent; and the ALJ's conclusion that Novo Nordisk infringes the 
'061 and '252 patents. On June 21, 2016, the parties filed responses to 
the petitions. On July 5, 2016, Novo Nordisk filed its Statement on the 
Public Interest, and on July 6, 2016, Baxter did the same. Members of 
the public filed comments on the public interest on June 27 and 28, 
2016.
    Having examined the record of this investigation, including the FID 
and Order Nos. 11, 25, and 30; the petitions for review; and the 
responses thereto; the Commission has determined to review the FID in 
part and Orders Nos. 11, 25, and 30. Specifically, the Commission has 
determined to review the construction of ``protein-free medium'' and 
``protein-free conditions'' in Orders No. 11 and 25 and the ID granting 
summary determination of infringement of the asserted claims of the 
'061 patent in Order No. 30. The Commission has also determined to 
review the ALJ's conclusion in the FID that the asserted claims of the 
'061 patent are anticipated and obvious. The Commission has determined 
to review and, on review, to reverse the ALJ's determination in the FID 
that the economic prong of the domestic industry requirement is not met 
as to the '061 and '252 patents. The Commission has determined not to 
review the ALJ's conclusion in the FID that the '252 patent is 
infringed.
    The parties are requested to brief their positions regarding the 
FID's determination that the '061 patent is anticipated, the relevant 
applicable law, and the evidentiary record. In connection with its 
review, the Commission is particularly interested in a response to the 
following:

    The Federal Circuit has distinguished printed publication prior 
art from prior use/on sale prior art for purposes of the enablement 
requirement of 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103. See In re Epstein, 32 F.3d 
1559, 1567-68 (Fed. Cir. 1994). Does this distinction have 
implications for enablement for prior inventions under 35 U.S.C. 
102(g)?

    In connection with the final disposition of this investigation, the 
Commission may (1) issue an order that could result in the exclusion of 
the subject articles from entry into the United States, and/or (2) 
issue one or more cease and desist orders that could result in the 
respondent being required to cease and desist from engaging in unfair 
acts in the importation and sale of such articles. Accordingly, the 
Commission is interested in receiving written submissions that address 
the form of remedy, if any, that should be ordered. If a party seeks 
exclusion of an article from entry into the United States for purposes 
other than entry for consumption, the party should so indicate and 
provide information establishing that activity involving other types of 
entry either are adversely affecting it or likely to do so. For 
background, see Certain Devices for Connecting Computers via Telephone 
Lines, Inv. No. 337-TA-360, USITC Pub. No. 2843 (December 1994) 
(Commission Opinion).
    If the Commission contemplates some form of remedy, it must 
consider the effects of that remedy upon the public interest. The 
factors the Commission will consider include the effect that an 
exclusion order and/or cease and desist orders would have on (1) the 
public health and welfare, (2) competitive conditions in the U.S. 
economy, (3) U.S. production of articles that are like or directly 
competitive with those that are subject to investigation, and (4) U.S. 
consumers. The Commission is, therefore, interested in receiving 
written submissions that address the aforementioned public interest 
factors in the context of this investigation.
    The parties and the public are requested to brief their positions 
regarding the public interest. The Commission is especially interested 
in public comments from hemophilia A patients and medical professionals 
with experience in treating hemophilia A patients. The Commission is 
particularly interested in responses to the following:
    (1) What criteria are appropriate to assess the scope of 
alternative medications to Novoeight that are on the market and that 
are available to new or existing hemophilia A patients? For example, 
given the increased safety of third generation hemophilia A medicines, 
should the relevant scope be limited to third generation (or higher) 
medications? Should the relevant scope be limited to those alternative 
medications suitable for patients of all ages and suitable for 
prophylaxis treatment? Applying these criteria, please identify all 
available medications that are suitable alternatives to Novoeight.
    (2) What is the likelihood that a patient currently using Novoeight 
and who has insurance coverage for Novoeight will also have insurance 
coverage for a comparable medication that has similar therapeutic 
efficacy for that patient?
    (3) What costs will patients incur in the process of switching from 
Novoeight to a comparable alternative? For example, does insurance 
typically cover (and to what extent does insurance cover) consultations 
with medical professionals associated with the switching process? Do 
the associated consultations often take place at one of the 
approximately 141 federally funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers 
(``HTCs'')? If so, do patients commonly incur significant expenses in 
traveling to those HTCs?
    (4) What are the therapeutic and safety advantages, if any, of 
choosing to use Novoeight over Advate and/or other competing 
medications available in the U.S.?
    (5) Do some patients have better therapeutic outcomes with 
Novoeight than other alternatives? If so, what would the risks be of 
requiring a patient to switch from Novoeight to a medicine that is less 
effective for a given patient? Could the risk of switching to a less 
effective treatment include serious health risks or death?
    (6) How should the Commission take into account hemophilia A 
patients' well-documented fear of developing an inhibitor upon 
switching hemophilia A medications, given the potentially serious 
consequences of developing an inhibitor, regardless of the likelihood 
of developing an inhibitor?
    (7) How much weight should the Commission give the fact that 
Novoeight can be used by a patient for a longer period after 
reconstitution, and that it has a longer shelf life, than some other 
medications? For example, how much weight should the Commission give to 
the fact that some patients may have structured their lives around this 
increased convenience and flexibility?
    (8) Is the ALJ's recommendation that any remedial order should be 
delayed for sixty days necessary and/or sufficient to allow all 
individuals who are currently using Novoeight to transition to a 
different medicine? For example,
    (a) How much time is typically needed to establish the viability of 
a suitable alternative medicine for a particular patient?
    (b) How should the Commission consider that some hemophilia A 
patients may need additional time to switch because (1) those patients 
have upcoming scheduled surgeries, and/or (2) those patients started 
using Novoeight near the time of the issuance

[[Page 51465]]

of any remedial order and should not change hemophilia medications 
within fifty days?
    (c) If patients need to travel to and schedule appointments at 
HTCs, is the sixty day grace period sufficient?
    (d) If all patients currently using Novoeight need to begin seeking 
alternative treatments at the same time, is the availability of medical 
professionals qualified to treat hemophilia A sufficient to meet that 
spike in demand such that all patients can find alternative treatments 
within a sixty day time frame?
    (e) If the Commission were to limit a remedy so that patients who 
cannot find an alternative medicine within sixty days (or other time 
period), despite reasonable efforts, can continue to obtain Novoeight, 
how could the Commission do so without placing any or only a minimal 
burden on patients or medical professionals and still guarantee access 
to Novoeight by those patients? Could such a limit on the remedy be 
crafted so that the parties, Customs and Border Protection (``CBP''), 
U.S. distributors and vendors, doctors, and patients can maintain 
reliable supplies of Novoeight for patients in need?
    (9) If the Commission were to tailor any remedial order to allow 
current users to continue to reliably obtain Novoeight, how could the 
Commission draft such an exception? Could such an exception be crafted 
so that the parties, CBP, U.S. distributors and vendors, the 
appropriate decisionmakers, doctors or other prescribers, and patients 
can maintain reliable supplies of Novoeight for patients in need while 
providing no or only a minimal burden on medical professionals and 
patients?
    (10) If the Commission were to issue a remedial order, to what 
extent should the Commission craft the remedy so that individuals who 
are seeking treatment for hemophilia A for the first time and for whom 
relevant alternative medications are not suitable could access 
Novoeight? For example,
    (a) If such modification is appropriate, how could it be 
accomplished?
    (b) What standards should a physician or other decisionmaker use to 
determine whether such medicines are suitable for the patient?
    (c) Could such a limit on the remedy be crafted so that the 
parties, CBP, U.S. distributors and vendors, the appropriate 
decisionmakers, doctors or other prescribers, and patients can maintain 
reliable supplies of Novoeight for patients in need while providing no 
or only a minimal burden on medical professionals and patients?
    If the Commission orders some form of remedy, the U.S. Trade 
Representative, as delegated by the President, has 60 days to approve 
or disapprove the Commission's action. See Presidential Memorandum of 
July 21, 2005. 70 FR 43251 (July 26, 2005). During this period, the 
subject articles would be entitled to enter the United States under 
bond, in an amount determined by the Commission and prescribed by the 
Secretary of the Treasury. The Commission is, therefore, interested in 
receiving submissions concerning the amount of the bond that should be 
imposed if a remedy is ordered.
    Written Submissions: The parties to the investigation are requested 
to file written submissions responding to the above question regarding 
anticipation under 35 U.S.C. 102(g) of the asserted claims of the '061 
patent. Parties to the investigation, interested government agencies, 
and the public are encouraged to file written submissions on the issues 
of remedy, the public interest, and bonding; and such submissions 
should address the recommended determination by the ALJ on remedy, 
public interest, and bonding, and the questions posed above. 
Complainants are requested to submit proposed remedial orders for the 
Commission's consideration. Complainants and OUII are also requested to 
state the date that the subject patents expire and the HTSUS numbers 
under which the accused products are imported. Complainants are further 
requested to supply the names of known importers of the products at 
issue in this investigation. The written submissions and proposed 
remedial orders must be filed no later than close of business on August 
19, 2016. Reply submissions must be filed no later than the close of 
business on August 26, 2016. No further submissions will be permitted 
unless otherwise ordered by the Commission.
    Persons filing written submissions must file the original document 
electronically on or before the deadlines stated above and submit eight 
true paper copies to the Office of the Secretary by noon the next day 
pursuant to section 210.4(f) of the Commission's Rules of Practice and 
Procedure (19 CFR 210.4(f)). Submissions should refer to the 
investigation number (``Inv. No. 337-TA-956'') in a prominent place on 
the cover page and/or the first page. (See Handbook for Electronic 
Filing Procedures, http://www.usitc.gov/secretary/fed_reg_notices/rules/handbook_on_electronic_filing.pdf). Persons with questions 
regarding filing should contact the Secretary (202-205-2000).
    Any person desiring to submit a document to the Commission in 
confidence must request confidential treatment. All such requests 
should be directed to the Secretary to the Commission and must include 
a full statement of the reasons why the Commission should grant such 
treatment. See 19 CFR 201.6. Documents for which confidential treatment 
by the Commission is properly sought will be treated accordingly. All 
information, including confidential business information and documents 
for which confidential treatment is properly sought, submitted to the 
Commission for purposes of this Investigation may be disclosed to and 
used: (i) By the Commission, its employees and Offices, and contract 
personnel (a) for developing or maintaining the records of this or a 
related proceeding, or (b) in internal investigations, audits, reviews, 
and evaluations relating to the programs, personnel, and operations of 
the Commission including under 5 U.S.C. Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S. 
government employees and contract personnel, solely for cybersecurity 
purposes. All nonconfidential written submissions will be available for 
public inspection at the Office of the Secretary and on EDIS.
    The authority for the Commission's determination is contained in 
section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and 
in part 210 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure (19 CFR 
part 210).

    By order of the Commission.

    Issued: July 29, 2016.
Katherine M. Hiner,
Acting Supervisory Attorney.
[FR Doc. 2016-18464 Filed 8-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 7020-02-P



                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 150 / Thursday, August 4, 2016 / Notices                                           51463

                                                INTERNATIONAL TRADE                                     Baxalta Inc., Baxalta US Inc., and                    and 30. On March 29, 2016, the
                                                COMMISSION                                              Baxalta GmbH were added as                            Commission determined to defer its
                                                                                                        complainants after the filing of the                  decision on whether to review those
                                                [Investigation No. 337–TA–956]
                                                                                                        complaint. 80 FR 62569 (Oct. 16, 2015).               orders until the date on which the
                                                Certain Recombinant Factor VIII                         (The complainants are collectively                    Commission determines whether to
                                                Products; Determination To Review In                    referred to as ‘‘Baxter.’’) The                       review the ALJ’s final ID (FID). Notice
                                                Part a Final Initial Determination                      Commission sought to determine                        of Comm’n Determination to Extend the
                                                Finding No Violation of Section 337                     whether there is a violation of section               Date for Determining Whether to Review
                                                and a Summary Determination;                            337(a)(1)(B) in the importation into the              a Non-Final Initial Determination
                                                Schedule for Filing Written                             United States, the sale for importation               Granting Complainants’ Motion for
                                                Submissions on One Issue Under                          into the United States, or the sale within            Summary Determination that the
                                                                                                        the United States after importation of                Accused Products Infringe U.S. Patent
                                                Review and on Remedy, the Public
                                                                                                        certain recombinant factor VIII products              No. 6,100,061 (Mar. 29, 2016).
                                                Interest, and Bonding
                                                                                                        by reason of infringement of any of                      On May 27, 2016, the ALJ issued the
                                                AGENCY: U.S. International Trade                        claims 19–21, 36, 37, and 39 of U.S.                  FID, which found no violation of section
                                                Commission.                                             Patent No. 6,100,061 (‘‘the ’061 patent’’);           337 as to either remaining asserted
                                                ACTION: Notice.                                         claims 20 and 21 of U.S. Patent No.                   patent. Regarding the ’061 patent, the
                                                                                                        6,936,441 (‘‘the ’441 patent’’); and                  ALJ concluded (1) claims 19 and 20 are
                                                SUMMARY:     Notice is hereby given that                claims 1, 5, 8, 10, 14, and 18 of U.S.                invalid as anticipated under 35 U.S.C.
                                                the U.S. International Trade                            Patent No. 8,084,252 (‘‘the ’252 patent’’).           102(g) and obvious under 35 U.S.C. 103;
                                                Commission has determined to review                     80 FR at 29746. The Commission                        (2) the economic prong of the domestic
                                                in part (1) the final initial determination             directed the ALJ to make findings of fact             industry requirement is not met; and (3)
                                                (‘‘FID’’) issued by the presiding                       and provide a recommended                             the technical prong of the domestic
                                                administrative law judge (‘‘ALJ’’) on                   determination with respect to the                     industry requirement is met by Baxter’s
                                                May 27, 2016, finding no violation of                   statutory public interest factors set forth           Advate product. Regarding the ’252
                                                section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as               in 19 U.S.C. 1337(d)(1), (f)(1), and (g)(1).          patent, the ALJ concluded (1) Novo
                                                amended (19 U.S.C. 1337); and (2) the                   Id. The notice of investigation named as              Nordisk has not established the
                                                initial determination issued on February                respondents Novo Nordisk A/S of                       invalidity of any asserted claim; (2)
                                                26, 2016, granting a summary                            Bagsvaerd, Denmark and Novo Nordisk                   Baxter failed to establish the economic
                                                determination of infringement of U.S.                   Inc., of Plainsboro, NJ (collectively,                prong of the domestic industry
                                                Patent No. 6,100,061 (the ‘‘Summary                     ‘‘Novo Nordisk’’). Id. The Office of                  requirement; (3) the technical prong of
                                                ID’’) (Order No. 30). On review, the                    Unfair Import Investigations (‘‘OUII’’) is            the domestic industry requirement is
                                                Commission has determined to reverse                    also a party to this investigation. Id.               met by Advate; and (4) Novo Nordisk’s
                                                the FID’s finding that the economic                        On December 8, 2015, Baxter moved                  Novoeight is made by a process that
                                                prong of the domestic industry was not                  for partial termination of this                       infringes claims 5, 8, 14, and 18.
                                                met for either asserted patent. Other                   investigation based on the withdrawal                    On June 3, 2016, the ALJ issued her
                                                issues remain on review.                                of claims 21, 36, 37, and 39 of the ’061              Recommended Determination on
                                                                                                        patent; claims 1 and 10 of the ’252                   Remedy, Bonding, and the Public
                                                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ron
                                                                                                        patent; and claims 20 and 21 of the ’441              Interest, which contingently
                                                Traud, Office of the General Counsel,
                                                                                                        patent. That motion was granted,                      recommends both a limited exclusion
                                                U.S. International Trade Commission,                                                                          order (‘‘LEO’’) and cease and desist
                                                                                                        leaving only claims 19 and 20 of the
                                                500 E Street SW., Washington, DC                                                                              orders (‘‘CDOs’’). If the Commission
                                                                                                        ’061 and claims 5, 8, 14, and 18 of the
                                                20436, (202) 205–3427. Copies of non-                                                                         finds a Section 337 violation, the ALJ
                                                                                                        ’252 patent at issue. Order No. 23 (Dec.
                                                confidential documents filed in                                                                               recommended that an LEO should be
                                                                                                        10, 2016), unreviewed, Notice of
                                                connection with this investigation are or                                                                     issued that excludes recombinant factor
                                                                                                        Commission Determination Not to
                                                will be available for inspection during                                                                       VIII products manufactured by
                                                                                                        Review an Initial Determination
                                                official business hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15                                                                    processes that infringe the asserted
                                                                                                        Granting a Motion for Partial
                                                p.m.) in the Office of the Secretary, U.S.              Termination of the Investigation with                 claims. The ALJ further recommended
                                                International Trade Commission, 500 E                   Respect to Certain Claims (Jan. 6, 2016).             that the LEO should not extend to
                                                Street SW., Washington, DC 20436,                          On September 17, 2015, the ALJ                     products imported to support clinical
                                                (202) 205–2000. General information                     issued Order No. 11, which construed                  trials in the United States and that Novo
                                                concerning the Commission may also be                   the terms ‘‘protein-free conditions’’ and             Nordisk should be required to certify to
                                                obtained at http://www.usitc.gov. The                   ‘‘protein-free medium’’ in the asserted               U.S. Customs and Border Protection that
                                                public record for this investigation may                claims of each asserted patent. On                    any imported Novoeight will be used
                                                be viewed on the Commission’s                           December 4, 2015, Novo Nordisk moved                  solely for such trials. The ALJ
                                                electronic docketing system (EDIS) at                   for reconsideration. On January 7, 2016,              additionally recommended that the LEO
                                                http://edis.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired                 the ALJ issued Order No. 25, which                    provide for a grace period of 60 days
                                                persons are advised that information on                 granted the motion and reaffirmed her                 from the end of the Presidential review
                                                this matter can be obtained by                          previous claim constructions. On                      period before the LEO is enforced.
                                                contacting the Commission’s TDD                         January 11, 2016, Baxter filed a motion               Furthermore, the ALJ recommend that a
                                                terminal at (202) 205–1810.                             requesting a summary determination                    CDO containing the above exception
                                                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES




                                                                                                        that the accused products infringe                    and grace period be directed to each
                                                22, 2015, the Commission instituted this                claims 19 and 20 of the ’061 patent. On               respondent. The ALJ also recommended
                                                investigation pursuant to section 337 of                February 26, 2016, the ALJ issued an                  that no bond should be required during
                                                the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended,                     initial determination (‘‘ID’’) (Order No.             the Presidential review period.
                                                based on a complaint filed by Baxter                    30), which granted the motion. On                        On June 13, 2016, Baxter and OUII
                                                Healthcare Corporation and Baxter                       February 29, 2016, Novo Nordisk filed                 filed petitions for review of the FID, and
                                                Healthcare SA, both of Deerfield,                       a petition requesting that the                        Novo Nordisk filed a contingent petition
                                                Illinois. 80 FR 29745 (May 22, 2015).                   Commission review Order Nos. 11, 25,                  for review. OUII and Baxter each


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                                                51464                        Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 150 / Thursday, August 4, 2016 / Notices

                                                petitioned for review of the ALJ’s                      subject articles from entry into the                  who has insurance coverage for
                                                determination that Baxter did not meet                  United States, and/or (2) issue one or                Novoeight will also have insurance
                                                the economic prong of the domestic                      more cease and desist orders that could               coverage for a comparable medication
                                                industry requirement. Baxter                            result in the respondent being required               that has similar therapeutic efficacy for
                                                additionally petitioned for review of the               to cease and desist from engaging in                  that patient?
                                                FID’s conclusions that the asserted                     unfair acts in the importation and sale                  (3) What costs will patients incur in
                                                claims of the ’061 patent are anticipated               of such articles. Accordingly, the                    the process of switching from Novoeight
                                                and rendered obvious. Novo Nordisk’s                    Commission is interested in receiving                 to a comparable alternative? For
                                                contingent petition challenged the ALJ’s                written submissions that address the                  example, does insurance typically cover
                                                construction of ‘‘protein-free’’ in the                 form of remedy, if any, that should be                (and to what extent does insurance
                                                asserted patents; the ALJ’s construction                ordered. If a party seeks exclusion of an             cover) consultations with medical
                                                of ‘‘selective pressure for the selective               article from entry into the United States             professionals associated with the
                                                marker’’ in the ’252 patent; and the                    for purposes other than entry for                     switching process? Do the associated
                                                ALJ’s conclusion that Novo Nordisk                      consumption, the party should so                      consultations often take place at one of
                                                infringes the ’061 and ’252 patents. On                 indicate and provide information                      the approximately 141 federally funded
                                                June 21, 2016, the parties filed                        establishing that activity involving other            Hemophilia Treatment Centers
                                                responses to the petitions. On July 5,                  types of entry either are adversely                   (‘‘HTCs’’)? If so, do patients commonly
                                                2016, Novo Nordisk filed its Statement                  affecting it or likely to do so. For                  incur significant expenses in traveling
                                                on the Public Interest, and on July 6,                  background, see Certain Devices for                   to those HTCs?
                                                2016, Baxter did the same. Members of                   Connecting Computers via Telephone                       (4) What are the therapeutic and
                                                the public filed comments on the public                 Lines, Inv. No. 337–TA–360, USITC                     safety advantages, if any, of choosing to
                                                interest on June 27 and 28, 2016.                       Pub. No. 2843 (December 1994)                         use Novoeight over Advate and/or other
                                                   Having examined the record of this                   (Commission Opinion).                                 competing medications available in the
                                                investigation, including the FID and                       If the Commission contemplates some                U.S.?
                                                Order Nos. 11, 25, and 30; the petitions                form of remedy, it must consider the                     (5) Do some patients have better
                                                for review; and the responses thereto;                  effects of that remedy upon the public                therapeutic outcomes with Novoeight
                                                the Commission has determined to                        interest. The factors the Commission                  than other alternatives? If so, what
                                                review the FID in part and Orders Nos.                  will consider include the effect that an              would the risks be of requiring a patient
                                                11, 25, and 30. Specifically, the                       exclusion order and/or cease and desist               to switch from Novoeight to a medicine
                                                Commission has determined to review                     orders would have on (1) the public                   that is less effective for a given patient?
                                                the construction of ‘‘protein-free                      health and welfare, (2) competitive                   Could the risk of switching to a less
                                                medium’’ and ‘‘protein-free conditions’’                conditions in the U.S. economy, (3) U.S.              effective treatment include serious
                                                in Orders No. 11 and 25 and the ID                      production of articles that are like or               health risks or death?
                                                granting summary determination of                       directly competitive with those that are                 (6) How should the Commission take
                                                infringement of the asserted claims of                  subject to investigation, and (4) U.S.                into account hemophilia A patients’
                                                the ’061 patent in Order No. 30. The                    consumers. The Commission is,                         well-documented fear of developing an
                                                Commission has also determined to                       therefore, interested in receiving written            inhibitor upon switching hemophilia A
                                                review the ALJ’s conclusion in the FID                  submissions that address the                          medications, given the potentially
                                                that the asserted claims of the ’061                    aforementioned public interest factors                serious consequences of developing an
                                                patent are anticipated and obvious. The                 in the context of this investigation.                 inhibitor, regardless of the likelihood of
                                                Commission has determined to review                        The parties and the public are                     developing an inhibitor?
                                                and, on review, to reverse the ALJ’s                    requested to brief their positions                       (7) How much weight should the
                                                determination in the FID that the                       regarding the public interest. The                    Commission give the fact that Novoeight
                                                economic prong of the domestic                          Commission is especially interested in                can be used by a patient for a longer
                                                industry requirement is not met as to                   public comments from hemophilia A                     period after reconstitution, and that it
                                                the ’061 and ’252 patents. The                          patients and medical professionals with               has a longer shelf life, than some other
                                                Commission has determined not to                        experience in treating hemophilia A                   medications? For example, how much
                                                review the ALJ’s conclusion in the FID                  patients. The Commission is                           weight should the Commission give to
                                                that the ’252 patent is infringed.                      particularly interested in responses to               the fact that some patients may have
                                                   The parties are requested to brief their             the following:                                        structured their lives around this
                                                positions regarding the FID’s                              (1) What criteria are appropriate to               increased convenience and flexibility?
                                                determination that the ’061 patent is                   assess the scope of alternative                          (8) Is the ALJ’s recommendation that
                                                anticipated, the relevant applicable law,               medications to Novoeight that are on the              any remedial order should be delayed
                                                and the evidentiary record. In                          market and that are available to new or               for sixty days necessary and/or
                                                connection with its review, the                         existing hemophilia A patients? For                   sufficient to allow all individuals who
                                                Commission is particularly interested in                example, given the increased safety of                are currently using Novoeight to
                                                a response to the following:                            third generation hemophilia A                         transition to a different medicine? For
                                                  The Federal Circuit has distinguished
                                                                                                        medicines, should the relevant scope be               example,
                                                printed publication prior art from prior use/           limited to third generation (or higher)                  (a) How much time is typically
                                                on sale prior art for purposes of the                   medications? Should the relevant scope                needed to establish the viability of a
                                                enablement requirement of 35 U.S.C. 102 and             be limited to those alternative                       suitable alternative medicine for a
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                                                103. See In re Epstein, 32 F.3d 1559, 1567–             medications suitable for patients of all              particular patient?
                                                68 (Fed. Cir. 1994). Does this distinction have         ages and suitable for prophylaxis                        (b) How should the Commission
                                                implications for enablement for prior                   treatment? Applying these criteria,                   consider that some hemophilia A
                                                inventions under 35 U.S.C. 102(g)?                      please identify all available medications             patients may need additional time to
                                                  In connection with the final                          that are suitable alternatives to                     switch because (1) those patients have
                                                disposition of this investigation, the                  Novoeight.                                            upcoming scheduled surgeries, and/or
                                                Commission may (1) issue an order that                     (2) What is the likelihood that a                  (2) those patients started using
                                                could result in the exclusion of the                    patient currently using Novoeight and                 Novoeight near the time of the issuance


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                                                                             Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 150 / Thursday, August 4, 2016 / Notices                                                 51465

                                                of any remedial order and should not                       If the Commission orders some form                    Any person desiring to submit a
                                                change hemophilia medications within                    of remedy, the U.S. Trade                             document to the Commission in
                                                fifty days?                                             Representative, as delegated by the                   confidence must request confidential
                                                   (c) If patients need to travel to and                President, has 60 days to approve or                  treatment. All such requests should be
                                                schedule appointments at HTCs, is the                   disapprove the Commission’s action.                   directed to the Secretary to the
                                                sixty day grace period sufficient?                      See Presidential Memorandum of July                   Commission and must include a full
                                                   (d) If all patients currently using                  21, 2005. 70 FR 43251 (July 26, 2005).                statement of the reasons why the
                                                Novoeight need to begin seeking                         During this period, the subject articles              Commission should grant such
                                                alternative treatments at the same time,                would be entitled to enter the United                 treatment. See 19 CFR 201.6. Documents
                                                is the availability of medical                          States under bond, in an amount                       for which confidential treatment by the
                                                professionals qualified to treat                        determined by the Commission and                      Commission is properly sought will be
                                                hemophilia A sufficient to meet that                    prescribed by the Secretary of the                    treated accordingly. All information,
                                                spike in demand such that all patients                  Treasury. The Commission is, therefore,               including confidential business
                                                can find alternative treatments within a                interested in receiving submissions                   information and documents for which
                                                sixty day time frame?                                   concerning the amount of the bond that                confidential treatment is properly
                                                   (e) If the Commission were to limit a                should be imposed if a remedy is                      sought, submitted to the Commission for
                                                remedy so that patients who cannot find                 ordered.                                              purposes of this Investigation may be
                                                an alternative medicine within sixty                       Written Submissions: The parties to                disclosed to and used: (i) By the
                                                days (or other time period), despite                    the investigation are requested to file               Commission, its employees and Offices,
                                                reasonable efforts, can continue to                     written submissions responding to the                 and contract personnel (a) for
                                                obtain Novoeight, how could the                         above question regarding anticipation                 developing or maintaining the records
                                                Commission do so without placing any                    under 35 U.S.C. 102(g) of the asserted                of this or a related proceeding, or (b) in
                                                or only a minimal burden on patients or                 claims of the ’061 patent. Parties to the             internal investigations, audits, reviews,
                                                medical professionals and still                         investigation, interested government                  and evaluations relating to the
                                                guarantee access to Novoeight by those                  agencies, and the public are encouraged               programs, personnel, and operations of
                                                patients? Could such a limit on the                     to file written submissions on the issues             the Commission including under 5
                                                remedy be crafted so that the parties,                  of remedy, the public interest, and                   U.S.C. Appendix 3; or (ii) by U.S.
                                                Customs and Border Protection (‘‘CBP’’),                bonding; and such submissions should                  government employees and contract
                                                U.S. distributors and vendors, doctors,                 address the recommended                               personnel, solely for cybersecurity
                                                                                                        determination by the ALJ on remedy,                   purposes. All nonconfidential written
                                                and patients can maintain reliable
                                                                                                        public interest, and bonding, and the                 submissions will be available for public
                                                supplies of Novoeight for patients in
                                                                                                        questions posed above. Complainants                   inspection at the Office of the Secretary
                                                need?
                                                                                                        are requested to submit proposed                      and on EDIS.
                                                   (9) If the Commission were to tailor
                                                                                                        remedial orders for the Commission’s                     The authority for the Commission’s
                                                any remedial order to allow current
                                                                                                        consideration. Complainants and OUII                  determination is contained in section
                                                users to continue to reliably obtain
                                                                                                        are also requested to state the date that             337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as
                                                Novoeight, how could the Commission                     the subject patents expire and the
                                                draft such an exception? Could such an                                                                        amended (19 U.S.C. 1337), and in part
                                                                                                        HTSUS numbers under which the                         210 of the Commission’s Rules of
                                                exception be crafted so that the parties,               accused products are imported.
                                                CBP, U.S. distributors and vendors, the                                                                       Practice and Procedure (19 CFR part
                                                                                                        Complainants are further requested to
                                                appropriate decisionmakers, doctors or                                                                        210).
                                                                                                        supply the names of known importers of
                                                other prescribers, and patients can                     the products at issue in this                           By order of the Commission.
                                                maintain reliable supplies of Novoeight                 investigation. The written submissions                  Issued: July 29, 2016.
                                                for patients in need while providing no                 and proposed remedial orders must be                  Katherine M. Hiner,
                                                or only a minimal burden on medical                     filed no later than close of business on              Acting Supervisory Attorney.
                                                professionals and patients?                             August 19, 2016. Reply submissions                    [FR Doc. 2016–18464 Filed 8–3–16; 8:45 am]
                                                   (10) If the Commission were to issue                 must be filed no later than the close of              BILLING CODE 7020–02–P
                                                a remedial order, to what extent should                 business on August 26, 2016. No further
                                                the Commission craft the remedy so that                 submissions will be permitted unless
                                                individuals who are seeking treatment                   otherwise ordered by the Commission.
                                                for hemophilia A for the first time and                    Persons filing written submissions                 DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
                                                for whom relevant alternative                           must file the original document
                                                medications are not suitable could                                                                            Antitrust Division
                                                                                                        electronically on or before the deadlines
                                                access Novoeight? For example,                          stated above and submit eight true paper              United States v. Anheuser-Busch
                                                   (a) If such modification is appropriate,             copies to the Office of the Secretary by              InBev SA/NV et al.; Proposed Final
                                                how could it be accomplished?                           noon the next day pursuant to section                 Judgment and Competitive Impact
                                                   (b) What standards should a physician                210.4(f) of the Commission’s Rules of                 Statement
                                                or other decisionmaker use to determine                 Practice and Procedure (19 CFR
                                                whether such medicines are suitable for                 210.4(f)). Submissions should refer to                  Notice is hereby given pursuant to the
                                                the patient?                                            the investigation number (‘‘Inv. No.                  Antitrust Procedures and Penalties Act,
                                                   (c) Could such a limit on the remedy                 337–TA–956’’) in a prominent place on                 15 U.S.C. 16(b)–(h), that a proposed
                                                be crafted so that the parties, CBP, U.S.                                                                     Final Judgment, Stipulation, and
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                                                                                                        the cover page and/or the first page. (See
                                                distributors and vendors, the                           Handbook for Electronic Filing                        Competitive Impact Statement have
                                                appropriate decisionmakers, doctors or                  Procedures, http://www.usitc.gov/                     been filed with the United States
                                                other prescribers, and patients can                     secretary/fed_reg_notices/rules/                      District Court for the District of
                                                maintain reliable supplies of Novoeight                 handbook_on_electronic_filing.pdf).                   Columbia in United States of America v.
                                                for patients in need while providing no                 Persons with questions regarding filing               Anheuser Busch InBev SA/NV et al.,
                                                or only a minimal burden on medical                     should contact the Secretary (202–205–                Civil Action No. 1:16–cv–01483. On
                                                professionals and patients?                             2000).                                                July 20, 2016, the United States filed a


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Document Created: 2016-08-04 02:53:34
Document Modified: 2016-08-04 02:53:34
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
ContactRon Traud, Office of the General Counsel, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436, (202) 205-3427. Copies of non-confidential documents filed in connection with this investigation are or will be available for inspection during official business hours (8:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.) in the Office of the Secretary, U.S. International Trade Commission, 500 E Street SW., Washington, DC 20436, (202) 205-2000. General information concerning the Commission may also be obtained at http://www.usitc.gov. The public record for this investigation may be viewed on the Commission's electronic docketing system (EDIS) at http:/ /edis.usitc.gov. Hearing-impaired persons are advised that information on this matter can be obtained by contacting the Commission's TDD terminal at (202) 205-1810.
FR Citation81 FR 51463 

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