Generics

UTTAR PRADESH, India — Jubilant Life Sciences, an integrated pharmaceuticals and life sciences company, last week announced that it received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for spironolactone tablets, 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg, which is the generic version of Aldactone. The drug is used to treat fluid retention caused by congestive heart failure and cirrhosis of the liver.

The market size for spironolactone tablets is $87 million per annum, according to IMS data. The company said it expects to launch the product in first quarter 2015.

DUBLIN — Endo International on Tuesday announced that it will acquire Somar, a privately-owned specialty pharmaceuticals company based in Mexico City, Mexico.

Total spending on U.S. medicines increased 1% on a real per capita basis in 2013, while the use of healthcare services rose for the first time in three years, according to a report by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Nuanced and intuitive leadership. That’s how Steve Anderson, president and CEO for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, characterized today’s state of the NACDS — a body made greater by the sum of its parts that has successfully navigated the complexities of today’s evolving healthcare environment, as well as the intricacies of the political arena — on Sunday during his address before attendees of the NACDS Annual Meeting 2014.

As lifetime earnings for pharmaceuticals decrease, commercialization expenses increase and payers tighten their belts on reimbursement, life science companies will be faced with shrinking margins over the next few years.

PRINCETON, N.J. — Sandoz on Monday announced the introduction of its adapalene 0.3% gel, a generic version of Differin gel, 0.3% from Galderma Labs. Adapalene gel is a retinoid and is used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ages 12 years and older.

"Sandoz is proud to market a high-quality, affordable generic version of this important topical therapy,” said Peter Goldschmidt, president of Sandoz U.S. “This launch further broadens our strong offering of differentiated generic dermatology products in the United States.”

PITTSBURGH — Mylan last week announced that it filed suit against the Food and Drug Administration, challenging the agency's decision regarding generic drug marketing exclusivity on celecoxib capsules, the generic equivalent of Pfizer's Celebrex.

Mylan believes that the agency was misguided in its decision in the case and maintains that it is in a position to receive final approval on May 30 when Celebrex's remaining patents expire. Other companies have settled for a December 2014 launch date and will be unable to launch on May 30.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Generic Pharmaceutical Association has announced its support of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s eighth annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day, taking place April 26 at local take-back sites across America.

The event is dedicated to the safe disposal of prescription medications and is the result of collaboration among local, state, federal and tribal law enforcement, community and industry partners.