Generics
Impax settles patent dispute with Genzyme
Impax Laboratories (Impax) announced on 4 September 2012 that it had reached an agreement with Sanofi subsidiary, Genzyme Corporation (Genzyme), to settle pending US litigation with regard to the production and sale of generic versions of Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) and Renagel (sevelamer hydrochloride).
Austria could save Euros 256 million by using more generics
A recent study by IMS Health Austria (IMS) revealed that in Austria healthcare payers could have saved more than a quarter billion Euros during 2011 if physicians would have prescribed more generics to their patients.
Misunderstandings regarding generics in Pakistan
This article is the third of three articles covering the results of a survey investigating the knowledge, perception and attitude of general practitioners (GPs) towards generic medicines in Karachi, Pakistan [1].
Injectables may be next on Big Pharma shopping list
The injectables division of Indian pharmaceutical company Strides Arcolab (Strides), known as Agila, is becoming an increasingly attractive potential acquisition for Big Pharma who are looking to expand their portfolios. Strides, based in Bangalore, may already be considering selling Agila, which produces a range of injectable generic medicines for the treatment of cancer and infections, with Pfizer as one possible purchaser.
Pfizer reaches agreement with Impax over generic Detrol
Pfizer has reached an agreement with Impax Laboratories (Impax) over the production and marketing of a generic drug alternative to the bladder-control treatment Detrol LA (tolterodine tartrate). The two companies have ‘settled a patent lawsuit’ based on a licence agreement dated 16 August 2012 that prohibits Impax from selling generic versions of Detrol LA ‘except as permitted under the settlement and license agreement.’
Coupons help Big Pharma to fend off generics
Pfizer’s success at using co-pay coupons to prevent patients switching from brand-name products to generics is encouraging other pharmaceutical giants to follow suit.
Wockhardt gains approvals for ‘steady stream’ of generics
Wockhardt has won FDA approval for four generics products in a matter of days. On 16 August 2012, the India-based company announced the final approval and immediate product launch of the anti-blood clotting drug clopidogrel bisulfate in 75 mg tablet form, and tentative approval for 300 mg-containing tablets.
Facts about generics for patients
The costs of health care are rising across Europe through ageing populations resulting in more patients with chronic diseases, stricter clinical targets for managing patients with long term (chronic) diseases, the continued launch of new and more expensive drugs as well as rising patient expectations.
Attitude of general practitioners towards generics in Pakistan
The second of a series of three articles reports on a survey aimed at exploring the knowledge, perception and attitude of general practitioners towards generic medicines in Karachi, Pakistan [1].
FDA approval for generic diabetes drug Actos
On 17 August 2012, FDA gave final approval to Mylan Pharmaceuticals for the first generic version of Actos (pioglitazone hydrochloride tablets), for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The approval covers tablets containing 15 mg, 30 mg and 45 mg pioglitazone.
