Generics

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals has launched its version of a contraceptive made by Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Watson said.

The company announced the launch of Vestura (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol), a generic version of Bayer's Yaz.

Yaz and its generic versions had sales of about $510 million during the 12-month period ended in November, according to IMS.

NEW YORK — A wide range of factors and "moving parts" will likely make 2012 a challenging year for pharmacy retailers as the economy, generic drugs and the dispute between Walgreens and Express Scripts figure prominently, analysts say.

Still, they say, various factors may serve to benefit drug stores and other retailers that operate pharmacies.

LONDON — Patent expirations of key blockbuster drugs and efforts by payers to contain costs are likely to bring strong growth to the global generic drug market in the next few years as market-earned revenues grow by more than $100 billion, according to an analysis by research firm Frost & Sullivan.

The report, titled "Generic Pharmaceuticals Market — A Global Analysis" and focusing on the United States and Europe, also found that healthcare expenditure and sales revenues are poised to shift to India, China, Brazil, Turkey and South Korea.

WASHINGTON — The main lobby representing pharmacy benefit managers is launching an advertising campaign amid scrutiny the industry has received lately from the public and lawmakers.

The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association announced Tuesday the launch of its new "That's What PBMs Do" ad campaign, which includes print and video ads that focus on what the PCMA called PBMs' role in reducing pharmacy costs, Medicare Part D and mail-order pharmacy.

HOLZKIRCHEN, Germany — Jeff George, the global head of Sandoz, was ranked No. 9 on Fortune magazine's annual top “40 under 40” list, a selection of the top 40 young business leaders from a variety of industries.

George, who has served as head of Sandoz since 2008, has led the drug maker to achieve double-digit revenue growth and make significant strides with respect to its differentiated products strategy, particularly in the field of biosimilars, Sandoz said.

HAIFA BAY, Israel — A committee formed by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries in December is continuing to evaluate an acquisition offer by India-based Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Taro said.

Sun is hoping to acquire Israel-based Taro for $24.50 per share.

The committee, comprising members of the company's board of directors, has brought on Citigroup Global Markets as its financial adviser and is receiving legal advice from Israeli legal firm Goldfarb Seligman & Co. and U.S. firm Willkie Farr & Gallagher.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration's latest message to consumers and healthcare professionals seems like a no-brainer: "Insulin pens are not for sharing."

But the agency said it knew of two undisclosed hospitals that it said had reused the cartridge components of insulin pens in administering insulin to more than 2,000 patients, though the hospitals reportedly changed the pens themselves.

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration has finished and sent to Congress its recommendations for a proposed Generic Drug User Fee Act, drawing praise from the generic drug industry.

GDUFA calls for the generic industry to pay $299 million per year for five years, in addition to what Congress gives the FDA. The money would come in the form of user fees for companies that submit regulatory approval applications to the agency for review.