Generics

JERUSALEM — Teva Pharmaceuticals on Tuesday announced the launch of its Campral (acamprosate calcium) delayed-release tablets. The drug is indicated to help maintain abstinence from alcohol dependence in patients who are abstinent when treatment begins, alongside a treatment program including counseling and support. 

 

The drug will be available in 333-mg dosage strength, and had annual sales of about $14 million for the 12 months ended December 2015, according to IMS Health. 

 

TORONTO — Apotex announced Tuesday that it had launched its generic of Merck’s Nasonex (mometasone furoate monohydrate) in the United States. Apotex’s drug is the first generic of the nasal congestion treatment. 

 

NEW YORK - The outcome of a dispute between Anthem and Express Scripts, underscored by a lawsuit announced Monday, could have far-reaching effects on the evolving pharmacy benefits management industry and implications for Express Scripts' independent business model, Fitch Ratings reported Tuesday. 

 

Piscataway, NJ — Camber Pharmaceuticals announced Monday that it had launched its generic Valcyte (valganciclovir) 450 mg tablets. 

 

The drug is indicated to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the eye in patients with AIDS. Valganciclovir is available in 60 count bottle.

 

CHICAGO — A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine is taking a look at the potentially dangerous interactions older Americans court when taking several medications — both prescription and OTC, as well as supplements — at once. The study looked at data from the 2005-2006 and 2010-2011, comparing the two on instances of polypharmacy (concurrent use of more than five prescription medications), as well as instances of taking more than five prescription and non-prescription medicine, including OTC medication and supplements. 

WASHINGTON — The Senate this week unanimously passed the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act to help ensure that prescription drugs land in the hands of patients and not those who would abuse them.  

 

DEERFIELD, Ill. – UnitedHealth Group and Walgreens on Thursday announced the integration of a new pharmacy solution that will enable eligible OptumRx members to fill 90-day prescriptions at home delivery copay levels at any of Walgreens nearly 8,200 pharmacies nationwide or through OptumRx home delivery. 

 

OptumRx is UnitedHealth Group’s free-standing pharmacy care services business, managing more than one billion prescriptions annually.