Generics/News

Sun gains tentative approval for generic Crestor

Generics/News | Posted 21/01/2011

Indian-based Sun Pharmaceutical Industries announced on 29 September 2010 that the FDA had granted its subsidiary a tentative approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to market a generic version of IPR Pharmaceuticals’ (a part of AstraZeneca) anti-cholesterol drug Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium).

WHO prequalification programme for APIs

Generics/News | Posted 14/01/2011

The WHO initiated on 21 October 2010 a pilot prequalification programme for selected active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in drugs for HIV and related diseases, antimalaria and anti-tuberculosis medications.

FDA considering tighter controls on generics

Generics/News | Posted 07/01/2011

The FDA may tighten standards for how closely generic drugs resemble brand-name equivalents. This comes as a result of complaints from both patients and employees of generic drugmakers that some of the medicines do not work as well as the originals.

Generic combination antibiotic launched in US

Generics/News | Posted 07/01/2011

On 26 October 2010, Hospira announced the launch of its combination antibiotic (piperacillin and tazobactam) for injection in the US. The medication is a generic version of Zosyn, the world’s leading injectable antibiotic, from Pfizer (Wyeth). Piperacillin and tazobactam injection posted sales in the US in 2009 of more than US$855 million.

Tackling counterfeit drugs in China

Generics/News | Posted 17/12/2010

The Chinese State Council, or cabinet, said on 19 October 2010 it would “launch a special campaign to fight intellectual property rights infringement and the manufacture and sale of counterfeit goods” at a meeting chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao. The six-month campaign, which includes making sure government organisations use genuine software, will begin at the end of October 2010, said the State Council.

India’s top pharma company strengthens ties with South Africa

Generics/News | Posted 17/12/2010

Generics’ manufacturer Cipla is a prominent Indian pharmaceutical company, best known outside its home country for manufacturing low-cost anti-AIDS drugs for HIV-positive patients in developing countries. Cipla exports to 170 countries and its manufacturing facilities are approved by WHO, US FDA, UK MHRA and other major agencies. Cipla was responsible for lowering the cost of triple therapy antiretroviral (ARV) to less than US$1 per day and is, in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, to supply ARVs to third world countries.