Generics

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced on March 14 that it has commenced commercial launch of escitalopram oxalate tablets, the company’s generic version of Forest Laboratories’ depression and generalized anxiety disorder treatment Lexapro tablets.

The branded product had annual sales of approximately $2.9 billion in the United States, based on IMS sales data. As the first company to file an abbreviated new drug application containing a paragraph IV certification for this product, Teva has been awarded a 180-day period of marketing exclusivity.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration's director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Janet Woodcock, on Thursday identified three tools the agency wanted to use in potentially increasing access to appropriate medicines in her opening remarks at the FDA Rx-to-OTC Switch Hearing held here.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved Watson's generic version of a drug used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, the company said.

Watson announced the FDA's approval of ibandronate tablets in the 150-mg strength, a generic version of Genentech's Boniva. Watson plans to launch its version in second quarter 2012.

JERUSALEM — Israel-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is switching stock exchanges, the company said.

The world's largest generic drug manufacturer — and increasingly a player in branded and specialty drugs — announced Wednesday that it would transfer the listing of its shares from the Nasdaq to the New York Stock Exchange, with plans to start trading on the NYSE on May 30 under its current ticker symbol, "TEVA."

NEW YORK — Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals is looking to acquire Actavis, according to published reports.

News media reported Wednesday that U.S.-based Watson was close to taking over Switzerland-based Actavis for $6.6 to $7.3 billion. Actavis, also a major manufacturer of generic drugs, was formerly based in Iceland and moved its headquarters to Switzerland last year.

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — Taro Pharmaceutical Industries will list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange, the Israel-based generic drug maker said Monday.

Starting Thursday, shares of Taro will trade on the exchange under the ticker symbol "TARO" and will concurrently cease to trade on the over-the-counter Pink Sheet markets.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic version of a drug for treating and preventing osteoporosis in women after menopause, the agency said Monday.

The FDA announced the approval of ibandronate tablets in the 150-mg strength made by Apotex, Orchid Healthcare and Mylan Pharmaceuticals. Genentech makes the branded version of the drug.

WASHINGTON — Women take mental health drugs at a much higher rate than men, according to a new study by one of the country's largest pharmacy benefit managers.

Medco Health Solutions released results of the study Monday, showing that 25% of women use psychotropic drugs, compared with 15% of men. The study was based on the pharmacy claims of more than 2 million Americans and measured the use of drugs for treating depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and psychotic disorders between 2001 and 2010.