The number of drug shortages in the US has tripled in the last six years. In 2010, 178 drug shortages were reported by FDA, 74% of which involved sterile injectable drugs, and 83% of which were generics [1, 2].

The company has made a ‘significant investment in R & D and manufacturing capabilities to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility’ to produce its new line of generic injectable drugs. The first product to be launched by Becton Dickinson is diphenhydramine hydrochloride injection, an injectable antihistamine.

The injectable drug delivery market is set to grow to US$43.3 billion by 2017, and with other generics manufacturers, such as Hospira, still struggling with manufacturing issues; this could prove to be a lucrative move for Becton Dickinson.

The company plans to launch 20 to 30 generic injectables over the next few years and is targeting injectable drugs in doses most commonly relied on by clinicians in both the hospital and surgical centre settings.

Related articles

Hospira’s manufacturing troubles may add to drug shortages

US drug shortages – frustration and safety concerns

References

1.  GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Some relief from drug shortages in the US [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2013 Apr 12]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Pharma-News/Some-relief-from-drug-shortages-in-the-US

2.  GaBI Online - Generics and Biosimilars Initiative. Which drugs are affected by drug shortages in the US? [www.gabionline.net]. Mol, Belgium: Pro Pharma Communications International; [cited 2013 Apr 12]. Available from: www.gabionline.net/Reports/Which-drugs-are-affected-by-drug-shortages-in-the-US

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