Generics

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. — A subsidiary of Aceto Corp. has launched two generic drugs for treating infectious diseases, the company said Monday.

Aceto said its Rising Pharmaceuticals subsidiary launched flucytosine capsules, a version of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International's Ancobon, used to treat serious infections; and chloroquine phosphate tablets, a generic version of Sanofi's malaria drug Aralen. The drugs' branded versions had sales of $20 million during the 12-month period ended in June, Aceto said.

NEW YORK — Citi Investment Research & Analysis is projecting that the peak of flu season may occur beyond last season's peak of January/February, a factor that may place a negative drag on retail same-store sales results over first quarter 2012.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Par Pharmaceutical has completed its acquisition of Anchen Pharmaceuticals, the generic drug maker said.

Par announced plans in August to acquire Irvine, Calif.-based Anchen for $410 million, consisting of a loan and cash it already had.

A privately owned company, Anchen has about 200 employees and more than 72,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing and warehouse space, Par said.

NEW YORK — When its blockbuster cholesterol drug Lipitor loses patent protection this month, Pfizer is hoping that pharmacy benefit managers will not dispense a generic version of the drug to its customers, according to published reports.

Pharmacy benefit managers Medco and Catalyst have agreed to block generic versions of Lipitor from reaching their customers until the end of May 2012, according to Bloomberg. Additionally, the company reportedly is in talks with Express Scripts to have the PBM also block generic versions from reaching customers as well.

SAN DIEGO — A free mobile service providing healthcare information via text message helped improve both engagement with healthcare providers and compliance with regimens, researchers revealed Tuesday.

RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — German drug maker Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals invested more than $350 million in its U.S. operations this year, the company said Tuesday.

WASHINGTON — The generic drug lobby is stepping up its efforts to persuade the congressional super committee to avoid adopting rules that would ban some patent settlements between branded and generic drug makers.

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Actavis has launched an authorized generic drug for treating pain, the company said.

The drug maker announced Friday that it had started shipping morphine sulfate extended-release capsules, an authorized generic version of Kadian, which it also manufactures. The authorized generic product was launched on the same day as Watson Pharmaceuticals' generic version.