Generics

LAVAL, Quebec — Valeant Pharmaceuticals on Monday announced that certain of its subsidiaries have entered into settlement agreements with Actavis related to Actavis' generic versions of Tiazac XC.

NEWTOWN, Pa. — KVK-Tech, a developer, manufacturer and marketer of specialty pharmaceuticals, announced the appointment of Joseph Lefebvre as VP business development, marketing and API sourcing.

Lefebvre joins the company with more than 25 years of experience in sales and marsketing, as well as global generic sourcing. He most recently served as VP proprietary generic sourcing at AmerisourceBergen.

DUBLIN — Perrigo on Monday announced that it received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for azelastine hydrochloride nasal spray (0.15%), a generic version of Astepro.

The prescription medicine is indicated for people ages 12 years and older and is used to treat nasal symptoms brought on by seasonal allergies or environmental irritants. Annual sales for the drug were approximately $97 million, according to Symphony Health Solutions

JUNEAU, Alaska — The 28th Alaska Legislature in late April passed legislation that will allow patients to obtain over-the-phone or online consultations where physicians can diagnose and, if necessary, provide a prescription.  

“Nowadays, much of our life is conducted online or over the phone,” said Rep. Lynne Gattis, R-Wasilla. “In this age where we can do almost everything with a smartphone, it should not be necessary to drive to the doctor’s office to have a physical consultation for many common ailments.”

DUBLIN — Actavis on Monday announced that it has entered into an agreement with Valeant Pharmaceuticals International to settle all outstanding patent litigation related to Actavis' generic version of Acanya (clindamycin phosphate and benzoyl peroxide) Gel, 1.2%/2.5%.  Acanya Gel is a lincosamide antibiotic and benzoyl peroxide indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris.

ATLANTA — A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that flu vaccines prevent flu-associated hospitalizations in people 65 years and older, even during seasons when vaccine effectiveness is low, the agency stated Friday. The study reinforces CDC’s existing recommendation for annual vaccination of adults 65 years and older who are at high risk for serious flu-related complications and often most-impacted by serious flu disease each year, resulting in hospitalization or death.

MIDDLESEX, N.J. — CorePharma on Thursday announced the launch of methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets USP, the generic version of Ritalin from Novartis. Methylphenidate is intended for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders.

The drug is available in 5-,10- and 20-mg strengths. Methylphenidate immediate release tablets had U.S. sales of approximately $243 million as of December 2013, according to IMS Data.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Ajanta Pharma USA on Friday announced the launch of risperidone tablets (0.25-mg, 0.5-mg, 1-mg, 2-mg, 3-mg and 4-mg), the generic version of Risperdal. The drug is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Sales of branded and generic risperidone totalled approximately $147 million for the 12 months ending March 2014, according to IMS Health.