Generics

Also noted on generics: 11 May 2012

Generics/General | Posted 11/05/2012

Out-of-pocket expenses decline in US
Patients with insurance spent US$1.8 billion less on out-of-pocket expenses for medicines in 2011 compared to 2010. In 2011 patient’s out-of-pocket expenses totalled US$49 billion compared to US$50.8 billion in 2010.

The average co-payment also declined, especially for seniors participating in the Medicare Part D program. The average co-payment for unbranded generics was US$5.63 and US$10.34 for Medicare Part D and other insured patients respectively. This compares to brand-name medicine prices of US$37.61 and US$40.35 respectively. In fact, in 2011, more than 75% of medicines carried a co-payment of US$10 or less.

Source: IMS Institute

Sandoz to gain generic dermatology specialist Fougera

Generics/News | Posted 04/05/2012

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.

Comparison of brand-name and biosimilar etanercept in Korea

Generics/Research | Posted 04/05/2012

A study comparing pharmacokinetics and tolerability of branded etanercept (25 mg) and its biosimilar (25 mg) in Korea reported by Gu et al has shown that the reference drug and the test biosimilar met the standard criteria for assuming bioequivalence as defined by Korean regulatory authorities [1].

Amgen buys Turkish generics manufacturer

Generics/News | Posted 27/04/2012

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

Generics/News | Posted 27/04/2012

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

Generics/News | Posted 23/04/2012

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

Generics/News | Posted 23/04/2012

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).

Cheap generic drug stops fatal bleeding but gets little use

Generics/Research | Posted 13/04/2012

According to a systematic review of data, use of a cheap generic drug could potentially save many trauma patients every year [1].

Also noted on generics: 13 April 2012

Generics/General | Posted 13/04/2012

Patents on Taxotere invalid
On 9 April 2012, two patents for sanofi-aventis’ cancer drug Taxotere (docetaxel) were ruled invalid and unenforceable by a US court, coming as good news for generics manufacturers Apotex and Hospira.

Taxotere (docetaxel) is a chemotherapy drug usually given to treat breast cancer, prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The drug, which is a follow-on from Taxol (paclitaxel), still generated Euros 922 million during 2011 for sanofi-aventis, despite a 57% reduction since the start of generic drug competition in 2010.

Source: Bloomberg

Generic quetiapine launched but the fight goes on

Generics/News | Posted 13/04/2012

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

Generics/News | Posted 13/04/2012

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.

Patients do not talk about generics with doctors

Generics/Research | Posted 06/04/2012

One of the main financial concerns expressed by adults in the US is the cost of medications and medical bills, however, despite this fact, very few patients talk about the price of prescription medicines with their physicians, according to Consumer Reports' monthly nationally representative survey [1].

Bill introduced to ensure generics get 180-day exclusivity

Generics/General | Posted 06/04/2012

Congressman Frank Pallone and Congressman Brett Guthrie introduced a new bill to the US Senate on 29 March 2012 to amend the US Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act in order to ensure that generics manufacturers get their 180-day exclusivity.

Novartis introduces branded generic tacrolimus

Generics/News | Posted 06/04/2012

Novartis announced on 3 April 2012 that it had launched a branded generic version of Astellas Pharma’s immunosuppressant Prograf (tacrolimus).

Also noted on generics: 6 April 2012

Generics/General | Posted 06/04/2012

Tropsium XR patents declared invalid
Watson Pharmaceuticals confirmed in early April 2012 that the United States District Court for the District of Delaware has ruled that four patents for Sanctura XR (trospium chloride extended-release capsules) are invalid. Watson’s Abbreviated New Drug Application for a generic version of the overactive bladder treatment is pending with FDA.

According to IMS Health data Sanctura XR had US sales of approximately US$68 million for the twelve months ending 29 February 2012.

Source: Watson