Generics

NEW YORK — A district court ruled in favor of Pfizer and Northwestern University in a patent infringement case relating to Lyrica (pregabalin).

FRANKLIN, Ky. — Blu Pharmaceuticals has named Joe Dombrowski to the newly created position of VP corporate development, the company said.

Blu, based in Franklin, Ky., said Dombrowski will be responsible for strategic planning and business development, including mergers and acquisitions. Blu was founded in 2006.

Dombrowski previously worked as senior director for strategic planning and business development for Kremers Urban Pharmaceuticals.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Monday hosted a public meeting to entertain a controversial payment adjustment — called "inherent reasonableness" — in reimbursing for non-mail-order diabetes supplies.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition announced it is hosting a free webinar on the interaction between dietary supplements and pharmaceutical drugs via the professional networking website Pharmacist Society, an online community created by Skipta and sponsored by The Drug Store News Group, and Generation NP, a website that serves nurse practitioners.

This webinar is part of CRN’s ongoing initiative to help ensure that healthcare practitioners have access to science-based information on dietary supplements and the supplement industry.

ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday held a press briefing regarding the growing number of whooping cough cases in Washington state, which, according to the CDC, is reflective of how pertussis cases are trending nationally.

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — Israeli drug maker Taro Pharmaceutical Industries has rejected India-based Sun Pharmaceutical Industries' takeover bid, Taro said Thursday.

Taro said its board of directors unanimously voted to reject a $24.50-per-share offer Sun made on Oct. 18, 2011. Taro began listing its shares on the New York Stock Exchange in March.

Sun has sought to buy Taro since 2007.

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NORTH WALES, Pa. — Teva Pharmaceuticals has introduced a generic drug for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the company said.

Teva announced the launch of methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release capsules in the 20-mg, 30-mg and 40-mg strength. The drug, a generic version of Novartis' Ritalin, is available in 100-pill bottles.

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched a generic version of a popular cholesterol drug.

The company announced Wednesday the launch of atorvastatin calcium tablets in the 10-mg, 20-mg, 40-mg and 80-mg strengths.

The drug is a generic version of Pfizer's Lipitor, which had sales of slightly more than $8 billion during the 12-month period ended in March, according to IMS Health.