FDA approves first generic escitalopram for treatment of depression
On 14 March 2012, FDA approved the first generic Lexapro (escitalopram) to treat both depression and anxiety in adults. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and IVAX Pharmaceuticals are the lucky generics manufacturers to gain FDA approval to market generic escitalopram, and Teva has been granted a 180-day period of exclusivity before other generics manufacturers can bring their versions onto the US market.

Source: FDA, Teva

UK pharmacists should be compensated for sourcing medicines
In the ongoing controversy surrounding medicine shortages in the UK, All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pharmacy Chair, the Right Honourable Kevin Barron MP has suggested that pharmacists should receive compensation for the extra time they spend trying to source medicines in short supply.

Source: C&D

Mylan looks to the future
At its investor day on 21 February 2012, generics giant Mylan outlined some of its goals for 2013 and beyond. The firm plans to spend an additional US$2 billion on R & D between 2013 and 2016, and US$1.4 billion on capital expenditures. However, generics will remain the company’s main business. Major generics launches planned include generics of Teva’s multiple sclerosis treatment Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) planned for late 2013, and GlaxoSmithKline’s asthma inhaler Advair Diskus (fluticasone/salmeterol) planned for 2015 in the EU and 2016 in the US.

Source: Mylan

Pfizer and China-based Hisun announce progress on joint venture
US pharma giant Pfizer and Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical announced on 17 February 2012 that they had signed a framework agreement, advancing their previously announced memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture to develop, manufacture and commercialise generics in China and global markets.

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Pfizer in joint venture with Chinese generics maker Hisun

Source: Pfizer