Generics

PITTSBURGH — Mylan is challenging the patent protection on a Pfizer drug for treating depression, following an announcement of a similar challenge by Watson made earlier this week.

Mylan said it had filed for Food and Drug Administration approval of a generic version of Pristiq (desvenlafaxine succinate) extended-release tablets in the 50-mg and 100-mg strengths.

WASHINGTON — While the Supreme Court on Thursday morning left the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act mostly intact, the court did rule that Congress cannot withhold federal Medicaid spending from a state that does not expand its eligibility requirements under the act.

Under the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid was to be transformed into a program to meet the healthcare needs of the entire nonelderly population with income below 133% of the poverty level.

WASHINGTON — A drug maker and a branch of the National Education Association have released a set of education resources designed to curb prescription drug abuse and misuse.

The NEA Health Information Network and Purdue Pharma announced Thursday the release of "Rx for Understanding," which includes 10 cross-curricular lessons for middle school students. The lessons are aligned with the National Health Education Standards and the Common Core State Standards.

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday morning identified the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as a tax, which means the constitutionality of the healthcare-reform package cannot be addressed until after that tax is assessed.

The court did rule the health insurance mandate, a key part of the Affordable Care Act, as unconstitutional; however, the government will continue to be able to tax people for not having health insurance.

WASHINGTON — A new continuing-education program offered by a national pharmacist professional organization aims to prepare pharmacists to communicate with patients about the safe and effective use of the painkiller acetaminophen.

The American Pharmacists Association said its new CE program would allow pharmacists to outline the Food and Drug Administration's recent advisory panel meetings on the drug, communicate with patients about its appropriate use, and engage consumers in dialogue and such activities as reading labels of products containing acetaminophen.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved an acne treatment made by Perrigo, the drug maker said Wednesday.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals is challenging the patent protection on an antidepressant made by Pfizer, the company said.

Watson filed a regulatory approval application with the Food and Drug Administration for desvenlafaxine succinate extended-release tablets in the 50-mg and 100-mg strengths. The drug is a generic version of Pfizer's Pristiq.

PITTSBURGH — A federal court has ruled against Mylan in a case filed by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries over a drug to treat multiple sclerosis.

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled Monday that Mylan's proposed generic version of the drug Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) infringed Teva's patents.

Mylan responded that it was "disappointed" by the decision and would appeal once it had the opportunity to review it in full.