The U.S. Patent Trial and Appeal Board upheld the validity of Biogen Inc.'s patents on its multiple sclerosis drug Tecfidera in a patent interference proceeding against Forward Pharma A/S, Reuters reported March 31.

Forward Pharma's patent description was reportedly found insufficient to declare infringement by Biogen, which will now not owe any future royalty payments to Forward Pharma.

Under the ruling, the exclusivity of Biogen's Tecfidera patents will remain in force until 2028.

Biogen previously paid Forward Pharma $1.25 billion to license the use of Forward Pharma's method to treat multiple sclerosis.