Generics/News
Generic quetiapine launched but the fight goes on
The news of AstraZeneca’s failed attempts to delay generic competition for its blockbuster antipsychotic drug Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) has caused a gold rush among generic companies, who are falling over each other to launch their generic versions.
FDA approves first generics to treat high blood pressure and kidney disease
On 2 April 2012, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Teva) announced that it had launched generic versions of sanofi-aventis’ high blood pressure treatments Avapro (irbesartan) and Avalide (irbesartan and hydrochlorothiazide) in the US.
AstraZeneca losing fight against generic quetiapine
AstraZeneca’s is losing the fight it seems to protect its blockbuster antipsychotic drug Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate).
Novartis introduces branded generic tacrolimus
Novartis announced on 3 April 2012 that it had launched a branded generic version of Astellas Pharma’s immunosuppressant Prograf (tacrolimus).
FDA approves first generic ibandronate sodium osteoporosis drugs
FDA announced on 19 March 2012 the approval of the first generics of GlaxoSmithKline’s and Roche’s postmenopausal osteoporosis drug Boniva (ibandronate sodium).
AstraZeneca sues FDA over generic quetiapine
In an attempt to prevent competition from generics to its blockbuster anti-psychotic drug Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate), pharma giant AstraZeneca has filed a lawsuit against FDA.
Generic rosuvastatin approved in Canada
Generics giant Mylan Pharmaceuticals (Mylan) announced on 15 March 2012 that it had received approval from Health Canada for a generic version of AstraZeneca’s leading cholesterol drug Crestor (rosuvastatin). The approval covers tablets in 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg strengths.
First generic atorvastatin launched in Australia and Europe
On 6 March 2012, Ranbaxy announced that it had obtained, pursuant to a settlement agreement with Pfizer, the rights to an early entry of its generic atorvastatin in Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden.
Hospira re-joins Generic Pharmaceutical Association
Hospira announced on 23 February 2012 that the company had re-joined the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA). Hospira, self-proclaimed leader in injectable generics, added that it is dedicated to ‘advancing wellness’, a goal that matches well with the GPhA’s core purpose of bringing affordable medications to patients who need them.
Apotex clopidogrel at-risk launch costs US$442 million
Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) announced on 8 February 2012 that generic drugmaker Apotex had paid a whopping US$442 million in damages in the Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate) patent infringement case against Apotex.
