Generics

JERUSALEM — Generic drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has launched a version of a drug used to treat a parathyroid disorder related to kidney disease.

Teva announced Tuesday the launch of paricalcitol, a generic version of AbbVie's Zemplar. As the first company to win Food and Drug Administration approval for the drug, Teva has 180 days in which to compete directly with the branded version.

WASHINGTON — The message in October is "Know Your Pharmacist, Know Your Medicine" as the American Pharmacists Association launches its annual American Pharmacists Month.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Amneal Pharmaceuticals has bought rights to four generic drugs from Actavis, Amneal said Monday.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Healthcare Distribution Management Association on Saturday added its voice supporting national pharmaceutical traceability legislation (Drug Quality and Security Act/H.R. 3204). 

PITTSBURGH — Mylan has launched the first generic version of a drug used to treat fungal infections, the company said Monday.

The drug maker announced the launch of voriconazole for oral suspension in the 40-mg-per-mL strength. The drug is the first generic version of Pfizer's Vfend, and as the first company to receive approval for a generic version, Mylan has 180 days in which to compete exclusively against Pfizer's product. The drug is used to treat invasive fungal infections.

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill. — The National Criminal Justice Association has recognized a program to combat prescription drug abuse in Arizona as the best such program in the west of the country.

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy said the Arizona Prescription Drug Misuse and Abuse Initiative received the NCJA's 2013 Western Region Outstanding Criminal Justice Program Award. The program involves state agencies and organizations, including the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy.

WASHINGTON — A bill designed to strengthen the security of the drug supply chain by creating an electronic track-and-trace system and national standards for sterile pharmacy compounding has attracted support from trade groups representing retail pharmacies and generic drug makers.

COLUMBIA, Md. — FlavoRx will start recognizing independent pharmacies that have implemented its program next month, the company said Friday.

FlavoRx, which makes flavorings that pharmacists can add to drugs, announced the inaugural FlavoRx Independent Pharmacy of the Year award, to be presented every October.