Generics

CINCINNATI — Prasco Labs has launched an authorized generic version of a blood-pressure drug made by Shionogi, the company said.

Prasco announced the launched of nisoldipine extended-release tablets in the 8.5-mg, 17-mg and 34-mg strengths.

The drug is an authorized generic version of Shionogi's Sular. Authorized generics are branded drugs marketed under their generic names at reduced prices, usually under a partnership between the branded drug's manufacturer and an outside company.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Par Pharmaceutical has started shipping its generic version of a drug for sleep disorders, the company said Friday.

Par announced the launch of a generic version of Provigil (modafinil), used to treat such sleep disorders as narcolepsy and work shift sleep disorder.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association on Thursday encouraged community pharmacists to demonstrate their role as a respected and knowledgeable resource on all aspects of medications, from dispensing to disposal, in preparation for Earth Day, which falls on April 22.

JERUSALEM — Teva is the first company to file for a generic version of a drug used to treat sleep disorders, the Food and Drug Administration has determined, though Mylan is contesting the FDA decision.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — People ages 65 years and older reduced their volume of prescriptions, while those ages 19 to 25 years increased their use of prescription drugs as the healthcare-reform law allowed them to remain on their parents' insurance, according to a new report by IMS Health.

The report, "The Use of Medicines in the United States: Review of 2011," found that per capita spending on U.S. medicines grew by 0.5% as healthcare system spending reached $320 billion and new drug launches opened new treatment options for more than 20 million Americans.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — A court has ruled that patents covering a drug designed to treat an overactive bladder are invalid, a company looking to launch a generic version of the drug said.

Watson Pharmaceuticals said the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware ruled that five patents covering Allergan's Sanctura XR (trospium chloride) extended-release capsules were invalid. Watson's application with the Food and Drug Administration for a generic version are pending, the company said.

NEW YORK — Forest Labs has bought rights to a drug used for high blood pressure that it had marketed with a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary, thus eliminating the need to pay future royalties.

Forest announced Monday that it had bought all U.S. and Canadian intellectual property related to Bystolic (nebivolol) for $357 million from Janssen Pharmaceutica NV on Friday.

INDIANAPOLIS — Marsh Supermarkets on Tuesday recognized National Public Health Week with the introduction of a program to help people with diabetes better understand, manage and live with the disease — more than 9% of Indiana residents have been diagnosed with diabetes, the grocer noted.