Generics

LAKE ZURICH, Ill. — Fresenius Kabi announced on Tuesday the immediate availability in the United States of its first-to-market generic of Genzyme’s Clolar (clofarabine injection). Fresenius Kabi’s clofarabine injection is available as a single dose vial containing 20 mg per 20 mL clofarabine.

JERUSALEM — Teva Pharmaceutical Industries launched generic Glumetza (metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets), 500 mg and 1000 mg, in the United States.

Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are used with diet and exercise to help control high blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are not for people with type 1 diabetes or for people with diabetic ketoacidosis.

IRVINE, Calif. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved Pharmadax’s generic equivalent to AstraZeneca’s Seroquel XR (quetiapine fumarate) ER tablets, 50 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg. Pharmadax has launched the product with its marketing partner, TruPharma.

PITTSBURGH — Mylan on Tuesday joined the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health in recognizing the 18th-annual National Women's Health Week. This year's goal is to empower women to make their health a priority and take steps to help improve their health.

National Women's Health Week kicked off on Mother's Day, May 14, and is celebrated through May 20.

WASHINGTON — National Association of Chain Drug Stores president and CEO Steven C. Anderson, participated in a listening session on Thursday following an invitation by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price.

WASHINGTON — An amendment to improve generic drug competition has been approved as part of the Food and Drug Reauthorization Act, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) told The Associated Press.

Collins said the amendment was approved May 11 at a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee business meeting, adding the measure is part of an investigation into "aggressive price hikes" in prescription drugs, and it will improve generic drug competition to help make prices lower.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The National Community Pharmacists Association on Thursday urged Senate Republicans to keep a number of important prescription drug-related provisions as they consider House passage of H.R. 1628, the American Health Care Act.

“Prescription drug coverage is an essential health benefit,” stated Douglas Hoey, CEO NCPA. “Any meaningful drug coverage should include patient choice of pharmacy and access to face-to-face counseling with a community pharmacist they know and trust.”

WASHINGTON — By a vote of 57 to 42 (with one Senator not voting), the Senate on Tuesday confirmed the nomination of Scott Gottlieb, of Connecticut, to be commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human Services