Generics

TORONTO — Canada’s Federal court ruled recently that the country’s Patented Medicine Prices Review Board — a federal tribunal that regulates pricing on branded medicines — could not extend price control measures to cover generic drug companies. 

The ruling covered two cases involving generic drug makers Ratiopharm (now Teva Canada) and Sandoz, respectively. 

ATLANTA — A report published Friday in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report characterized the 2013-2014 influenza season as the first season since 2009 that H1N1 generated fewer levels of outpatient illness and mortality as compared with seasons when influenza A (H3N2) is predominant. 

However, there were higher rates of hospitalization among adults ages 50 years to 64 years as compared to recent years, the report added. 

WASHINGTON — The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology last week issued a policy paper, "A 10-Year Vision to Achieve an Interoperable Health IT Infrastructure," which outlines the government's pledge to support interoperable electronic health records to most Americans. 

America is three-quarters of the way there. 

PITTSBURGH — Mylan on Monday announced the launch of carboplatin injection, 50-mg/5-ml, in multi-dose vials. The drug is the generic version of Paraplatin injection from Bristol-Myers Squibb.

The company also received final approval for the carboplatin injection 150-mg/15-ml, 450-mg/45-ml and 600-mg/60-ml multi-dose vials, with plans to launch those strengths at a later date.

BANGALORE, India — Strides Arcolab last week received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for methoxsalen capsules USP, 10-mg (soft gelatin capsules).

The drug is used to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo and some cutaneous lymphomas in conjuction with exopsing the skin to UVA light either from lamps or sunlight. It alters the way skin cells receive UVA radiation, helping to clear up the disease.

NORTH WALES, Penn. — Teva Pharmaceuticals announced the launch of Mimvey Lo (estradiol and norethindrone acetate tablets, USP), the generic equivalent to Activella tablets. The drug is used to treat certain symptoms of menopause.

"Our customers count on Teva for a continuous supply of new generic products,” said Maureen Cavanaugh, SVP U.S. Generics Sales & Marketing. “With the launch of Mimvey Lo, we add another quality product to our broad line of affordable generic pharmaceuticals.”

ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated a health advisory, recommending an inactivated poliovirus booster for adults traveling to countries with an active wild polio virus in circulation. 

These countries include Cameroon, Pakistan and the Syrian Arab Republic. The United States is not expected to issue any requirements for entry into the United States, however, according to the CDC.

DARIEN, Conn. — Health Media Network and the American College of Cardiology on Wednesday announced a strategic partnership that will significantly increase the size of HMN's Cardiology Network while broadening the distribution of ACC's CardioSmart Initiative. CardioSmart provides tools and resources to heart health providers and the populations they serve to enhance the dialogue between all the members of the care team and improve health outcomes.