Generics/News

FDA approves rare disease deflazacort at exorbitant price

Generics/News | Posted 17/03/2017

Deflazacort is a steroid treatment that has long been approved in many countries outside the US. In February 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Marathon Pharmaceuticals’ deflazacort (Emflaza) for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. However, it is reported that the drug will come with a devastating price-tag of US$89,000 a year, far more than prices charged abroad.

Generic lung cancer treatment now available in China

Generics/News | Posted 10/03/2017

A generic version of AstraZeneca’s Iressa (gefitinib) has been released onto the market in China. This generic drug is being marketed under the brand name Yiruike and is produced by Chinese pharmaceutical company, Qilu Pharmaceutical (Qilu).

US approves generic of narcolepsy drug Xyrem

Generics/News | Posted 24/02/2017

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first generic version of Xyrem (sodium oxybate) – the only drug approved to treat the sudden muscle weakness seen in narcolepsy.

Endo launches generic version of Zetia

Generics/News | Posted 27/01/2017

Ireland-based Endo International plc has announced that its operating company Par Pharmaceutical will ship the first generic version of Merck & Co’s blockbuster cholesterol medication Zetia.

Natco Pharma and Alvogen launch first US Tamiflu generic

Generics/News | Posted 20/01/2017

Natco Pharma (Natco) and their marketing partner Alvogen have launched the first generic equivalent of Roche’s flu treatment Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) in the US.

Mylan launches generic EpiPen

Generics/News | Posted 13/01/2017

US-based drugmaker Mylan announced on 16 December 2016 that it had launched the authorized generic version of its EpiPen (epinephrine) injectors at a wholesale price of US$300 per two-pack. This price, the company says, ‘is more than 50% lower’ than the brand-name price.

Lupin and Natco’s Armodafinil generic approved to treat sleep disorders by FDA

Generics/News | Posted 06/01/2017

The US subsidiary of Indian drug manufacturer, Lupin Pharmaceuticals, announced on 29 November 2016 that its Armodafinil tablets had received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Marketing and promotion of the product in the US will begin shortly.

Mylan to make generic hepatitis drug under MPP sublicence

Generics/News | Posted 02/12/2016

Generics giant Mylan Pharmaceuticals (Mylan) announced on 28 November 2016 that the company had signed a sublicence with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to make a generic of Bristol-Myers Squibb’s hepatitis C medicine Daklinza (daclatasvir).

Dr Reddy’s makes deal with Gland Pharma for US injectables

Generics/News | Posted 18/11/2016

Generics manufacturer Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (Dr Reddy’s) announced on 26 October 2016 that it had entered into a ‘strategic collaboration’ with India-based sterile dosage form maker Gland Pharma.