Generics

Misunderstandings regarding generics in Pakistan

Generics/Research | Posted 07/09/2012

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

Generics/News | Posted 07/09/2012

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

Generics/News | Posted 07/09/2012

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

Generics/General | Posted 07/09/2012

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

Generics/News | Posted 07/09/2012

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

Generics/Research | Posted 24/08/2012

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

Generics/Research | Posted 24/08/2012

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

Generics/News | Posted 24/08/2012

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.

Generics in Pakistan

Generics/Research | Posted 17/08/2012

This is the first of a series of three articles on the problems facing Pakistan in making health care affordable to ordinary people.

Gilead makes HIV generics deal

Generics/News | Posted 17/08/2012

US-based drugmaker Gilead Sciences (Gilead) announced on 2 August 2012 a new collaboration with Indian generics manufacturers to provide low cost HIV medicine to developing countries.

Ranbaxy forfeits exclusivity on generic Provigil

Generics/News | Posted 17/08/2012

As part of Ranbaxy’s consent decree with FDA, signed in January 2012, the Indian generics major had to agree to relinquish 180-day marketing exclusivity on three pending generic drug applications [1]. Now analysts believe that generic Provigil (modafinil) may have been one of those undisclosed drugs.

Canada grapples with drugs costs

Generics/General | Posted 10/08/2012

Government report calls for the widening of the current scheme for brand-name medicines to include generics.

FDA approves generics of Merck’s Singulair

Generics/News | Posted 10/08/2012

FDA announced on 3 August 2012 that the agency had approved not one, but ten generic versions of Merck’s blockbuster asthma-allergy drug Singulair (montelukast).

Pfizer wins against generic versions of pain drug Lyrica

Generics/News | Posted 03/08/2012

The world’s largest drugmaker Pfizer has successfully blocked Israel-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (Teva) and other manufacturers from selling generic versions of its fibromyalgia treatment Lyrica (pregabalin) until patents on the drug expire in 2018. The ruling, announced on 19 July 2012, was the result of a lawsuit begun in 2009 contending that sales of generic Lyrica would infringe Pfizer’s patents and cause irreparable harm to sales.

Watson gains FDA approval for morning after pill

Generics/News | Posted 03/08/2012

US generics company Watson Pharmaceuticals (Watson) announced on 13 July 2012 that its subsidiary Watson Laboratories, has received approval from FDA for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Next Choice One Dose (levonorgestrel tablet, 1.5 mg), the generic equivalent to Teva Women’s Health’s Plan B One-Step. Watson plans to launch the product immediately.