Generics

NEW YORK — While settlements constitute the most prominent patent-related issue for generic drugs, two others have cropped up this year as well.


PISCATAWAY, N.J. — The blockbuster movie release of "Contagion" this past weekend may drive more people to seek out their flu shot, proposed the director of the New Jersey Center for Public Health Preparedness. "Contagion," a movie that mirrors the H1N1 pandemic of 2009, was the No. 1 movie coming out of the weekend with an estimated $23.1 million debut.

The issue of patent settlements, their effect on drug prices and availability, and by extension their legality has been around for a long time and will likely remain an issue for years to come. But according to a report released in May by the Federal Trade Commission, the settlements have been on the rise, increasing from 16 in 2009 to 31 in 2010.


DEERFIELD, Ill. — With more than 1 million fans on Facebook and the largest following on Foursquare among chain drug store retailers, Walgreens is using these social media platforms to let its customers help distribute more than $6 million in free flu shot vouchers to five national charities, the Chicago-area chain announced Friday.

Walgreens is working with the American Diabetes Association, AmeriCares, Feeding America, League of United Latin American Citizens and the National Urban League on an initiative to help provide up to 200,000 flu shot vouchers.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug made by Mylan for treating allergies.

Mylan announced Friday the approval of promethazine hydrochloride tablets in the 12.5-mg, 25-mg and 50-mg strengths.

Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, which are manufactured by several companies, had sales of about $42 million during the 12-month period ended in June, according to IMS Health.

NEW YORK — Ranbaxy Labs will launch its generic version of the world's top-selling drug as originally planned, according to published reports.

Citing Japan's Nikkei daily, Reuters reported that Gurgaon, India-based Ranbaxy would launch a generic version of Pfizer's cholesterol medication Lipitor (atorvastatin) at the end of November.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — A group representing independent pharmacies is urging Congress to cut the deficit by reducing healthcare expenditures, but "without compromising patients' access to their pharmacy of choice or harming local jobs."

WASHINGTON — The Generic Pharmaceutical Association has named Ralph Neas as its new president and CEO, the group said Wednesday.

Neas, currently president and CEO of the National Coalition on Health Care, replaces Kathleen Jaeger, who stepped down as president and CEO of GPhA in May 2010 after eight years with the organization. The GPhA said it planned to spend September introducing Neas to stakeholders in a broad outreach effort.