Generics

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy’s Labs has launched a generic drug for treating high blood pressure, the company said Thursday.

Dr. Reddy’s announced the launch of amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride capsules in the 5-mg/40-mg and 10-mg/40-mg strengths.

The drug is a generic version of Novartis’ Lotrel, which had sales of $290 million during the 12-month period ended in March, according to IMS Health.

BALTIMORE — The Food and Drug Administration has approved an additional strength of a generic drug made by Lupin Pharmaceuticals for high blood pressure, Lupin said Wednesday.

Lupin announced the approval of amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride capsules in the 5-mg/40-mg and 10-mg/40-mg strengths. The company already markets the drug in the 2.5-mg/10-mg, 5-mg/10-mg, 5-mg/20-mg and 10-mg/20-mg strengths.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — David Yost officially handed the reins of AmerisourceBergen to Steven Collis, who was named president and CEO on Friday, as Yost prepares for retirement.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Chirag Patel and Chintu Patel, who respectively are the president and CEO of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, recently received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.

The executives received the 2011 New Jersey Award in the pharmaceutical and medical technology category, which was presented at a gala event last month.

DUBLIN — Shire has filed patent infringement suits against two generic drug makers relating to its attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment.

Shire said it has filed lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey against Amneal Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz. Amneal and Sandoz recently filed abbreviated new drug applications with the Food and Drug Administration to market generic Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), an ADHD drug.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — As part of a strategic assessment, generic drug maker Par Pharmaceutical is set to restructure its branded division.

The company said last week that its restructuring of Strativa Pharmaceuticals will result in a reduced workforce, prompting one-time noncash charges in the second quarter in addition to severance costs, although Par said the restructuring will generate expense savings in the $8 to $12 million range for the remainder of the year.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Perrigo on Wednesday announced that its closing date to complete the acquisition of Paddock Labs — a generic pharmaceutical and specialty over-the-counter products manufacturer — has been delayed by an extended Federal Trade Commission review.

HAYWARD, Calif. — Impax Labs has agreed not to market a generic version of a drug designed to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol in tablet form until 2015.