Vivus acquires patent rights to Qsymia ingredient, terms not disclosed

Vivus has acquired a group of patents covering one of the main ingredients behind its weight loss drug Qsymia from Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Janssen, owned by Johnson & Johnson, agreed at the same time to dismiss the federal lawsuit filed just Friday against Vivus. Terms of the patent sale were not disclosed Monday.

Vivus Inc., based in Mountain View, said the patents it acquired cover the use of topiramate to treat obesity, lower blood pressure and reduce blood glucose, among other uses. It also assumed rights for a patent covering the use of topiramate to treat impulse control disorders.

Vivus said it will pay a one-time upfront fee and a royalty to Janssen based on Qsymia sales. Vivus also has an option to buy out the royalty.

Qsymia hit the market in 2012 and is intended to help people with at least one serious health problem related to their weight, like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. The drug includes topiramate, which aims to make people feel more satisfied after eating.

Vivus shares edged up 3 cents to $4.23 Monday before markets opened.