Generics/News
Mylan moving ahead
Three announcements in three days, in four different countries―Mylan is continuing to make progress in generics.
Teva won’t sell generic atorvastatin
Teva has decided not to market its own generic version of Lipitor (atorvastatin), Pfizer’s blockbuster cholesterol-lowering drug that recently came off patent. The decision comes despite the fact that FDA granted tentative approval for Teva’s generic version of atorvastatin at the end of 2011. Teva America’s CEO, Mr William Marth told The Economic Times, ‘we’ve made a really hard choice on not launching atorvastatin.’ He forecasts that the decision not to launch certain products such as atorvastatin and simvastatin will cost the firm about US$150 million.
Hospira recalls overfilled hydromorphone hydrochloride vials
Hospira first alerted FDA in April and May 2012 of overfilled cartridges containing morphine and hydromorphone. Subsequent investigation by the company has revealed that as many as 280 batches of 15 different Carpuject pre-filled cartridge products, which were manufactured between June 2010 and February 2012, could have contained more medication than is stated on the label [1].
Generics makers cannot gain access to some brand-name drugs
Generics manufacturers trying to create generics for certain drugs are having problems gaining access to samples of the brand-name drugs due to restrictions on supply put in place by FDA.
Generic atorvastatin could save NHS GBP 350 million a year
Generics of Pfizer’s blockbuster cholesterol treatment Lipitor (atorvastatin) could save the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK a whopping GBP 250 million or more during the coming years, following loss of patent exclusivity.
Sandoz to gain generic dermatology specialist Fougera
Swiss pharma giant, Novartis, announced on 2 May 2012 that the company had signed a deal for Sandoz, its generics unit, to acquire speciality generics dermatology business Fougera Pharmaceuticals (Fougera) for US$1.525 billion in cash.
Amgen buys Turkish generics manufacturer
US biotechnology giant Amgen announced on 25 April 2012 that the company will pay US$700 million to gain a majority share (95.6%) in Turkish generics company Mustafa Nevzat Pharmaceuticals (MN).
Watson now third largest generics company with Actavis acquisition
Watson Pharmaceuticals (Watson) has confirmed a definitive agreement to acquire privately-owned generics firm Actavis for an upfront payment of Euros 4.25 billion. The acquisition of Actavis makes Watson the third largest generics company in the world, with US$8 billion in combined revenue expected during 2012.
US Supreme Court rules against generics delaying tactics
On 17 April 2012, the US Supreme Court ruled in favour of India-based generics company Sun Pharma in its case against Danish pharmaceutical company, Novo Nordisk, a case that could have provided a route for brand-name drug companies to delay generics competition.
FDA approves generic vancomycin capsules
On 11 April 2012 India-based Strides Arcolab (Strides) announced that it had received FDA approval for its generic version of Baxter’s antibiotic Vancocin (vancomycin).
