Generics

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — In an attempt to gauge patients’ attitudes toward the cost of prescription drugs, CVS Health in April conducted a survey of registered voters, whose results the company released Thursday. The survey found that 88% of respondents are somewhat or very concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs.

JERUSALEM — Teva has introduced its generic of Zetia (ezetimibe) tablets, the company announced Monday. The drug is indicated to lower total and LDL cholesterol, and Teva’s generic will be available in 10-mg dosage strength.

WASHINGTON — In a decision that will have a big impact on the burgeoning biosimilars market, the Supreme Court on Monday overturned an appeals court decision which said Sandoz had to wait 180 days under federal law after receiving Food and Drug Administration approval to launch its biosimilar of Amgen’s Neupogen (filgrastim), Zarxio (filgrastim-sndz). The court did not rule out the possibility of state law allowing such an injunction, sending that question to a lower court.

PHOENIX — The Healthcare Distribution Alliance’s nonprofit HAD Research Foundation has awarded Upsher-Smith Laboratories’ VP partner relations Mike McBride its 2017 Nexus Award for Lifetime Achievement.

The award — which was given by the foundation, alongside Genentech and Mylan at the HDA’s annual Business and Leadership Conference — recognizes character and professional accomplishments, as well as leadership in HDA, the industry and the community.

JERUSALEM — Teva on Friday announced the U.S. launch of its generic Pataday (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, 0.2%). The solution is a mast cell stabilizer indicated to treat ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Novartis’ Sandoz division on Monday announced the introduction of its authorized generic of Alcon’s Pataday (olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic Solution, 0.2%).

“As a division of Novartis, we are pleased to have the opportunity to further drive access to this critical medicine in the U.S. market,” Sandoz president Peter Goldschmidt said. “By working internally with the Novartis group, Sandoz is able to deliver a wide range of ophthalmic dosage forms that require high technical expertise.”

WASHINGTON — Generics continue to play a key role in the healthcare system, according to the the Association for Accessible Medicines’ recently released ninth annual Generic Access and Savings in the U.S. report, compiled by the QuintilesIMS Institute for the AAM (formerly the Generic Pharmaceutical Association). The report highlights that generic drugs saved the healthcare system $253 billion in 201, bringing 10-year savings to $1.67 trillion.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday announced its approval of Teva’s abbreviated new drug application the first generic of Gilead’s Truvada (emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil).

The drug is indicated both as a treatment for HIV-1 in combination with other antiretroviral drugs and for pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent sexually acquired HIV infection in combination with safer sex practices.