Generics

PITTSBURGH —  Mylan recently launched its generic Apresoline (hydralazine HCl) injection. The 20-mg/ml injection is indicated to treat  severe hypertension in cases where a drug can’t be given orally or in cases where a patient has an urgent need to lower blood pressure. 

 

The treatment had U.S. sales of about $63.4 million in the 12 months ended March 21, according to Mylan. 

 

CHICAGO — A new study published online Monday in JAMA Internal Medicine  is highlighting the potential cost savings that result when clinicians prescribe generic versions of branded drugs. The study estimates that between 2010 and 2012, the U.S. could have saved some $73 billion in health care costs if generics had been more widely used. It also highlights the value generics bring to the health system beyond simply saving money. 

 

WASHINGTON — Americans turned in a record number of unused prescription drugs last weekend, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. The DEA on Monday said  the most recent National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day brought in the most unused prescription medications of any of its previous 10 events held since the initiative launched in 2010. 

 

BAUDETTE, Minn. — ANI Pharmaceuticals on Monday launched its authorized generic of Lipofen (fenofibrate) capsules. The company had acquired the distribution rights to the medication earlier this year. 

 

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to new data published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association that at least 1-in-3 antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary. The study looks at antibiotic use in doctors’ offices and emergency rooms nationwide, finding that some 47 million excess antibiotic prescriptions are written for viral respiratory conditions. 

 

PITTSBURGH — Mylan on Tuesday announced the appointment of Kenneth Parks as its new CFO, effective June 6. Parks, who has more than 30 years of corporate finance experience, will join Mylan from Wesco International, a provider of electrical, industrial and communications products, where he is VP and CFO. 

 

DUBLIN — Perrigo on Monday announced the FDA approval and launch of its generic BenzaClin (clindamycin phosphate 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5%) Pump topical gel. 

 

The drug is indicated to treat acne vulgaris, and the company has already begun shipping to customers. 

 

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration on Friday announced that it had approved a generic of AstraZeneca’s Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium). The generic, from Allergan, is the first to be approved for blockbuster Crestor, which saw $6.5 billion in annual sales for the 12 months ended March 31, according to IMS health. 

 

The drug is indicated to treat high triglycerides, dysbetalipoproteinemia and high LDL cholesterol. It was approved in 5-, 10, 20-, and 40-mg dosage strengths, according to the FDA.