Generics

JERUSALEM — Teva Pharmaceuticals has launched an authorized generic version of a contraceptive made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Teva said.

Teva announced the launch of Camrese, an authorized generic of Duramed’s Seasonique (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets).

The launch of Teva’s authorized generic follows the launch of Watson Pharmaceuticals’ generic version of the drug, which it is marketing under the name Amethia.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — A generic version of a popular pneumonia treatment has entered the market from Hi-Tech Pharmacal.

Hi-Tech Pharmacal has introduced levofloxacin oral solution in the 25-mg/mL strength. The drug will be available in 480-mL, 200-mL and 100-mL sizes in order to allow pharmacists to tailor inventory to store volume. As previously reported by Drug Store News, Hi-Tech Pharmacal was granted tentative approval for the drug in April.

BANGALORE, India — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for diabetes made by Indian generic drug maker Strides Arcolab.

The FDA approved acarbose tablets in the 25-mg, 50-mg and 100-mg strengths. The drug is a niche drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes, Strides said.

Acarbose tablets have sales of about $21 million, according to IMS Health.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals has launched a generic version of a contraceptive made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Watson said Thursday.

Watson announced the launch of Amethia (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol [0.15 mg/0.03 mg] and ethinyl estradiol [0.01 mg]) after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit denied Duramed’s request for a temporary injunction; a patent infringement lawsuit that Duramed filed against Watson remains pending.

ALLEGAN, Mich. — Generic drug maker Perrigo has closed its purchase of Paddock Labs, the company said Tuesday.

Perrigo acquired privately owned Paddock, a manufacturer of generic prescription and over-the-counter drugs based in Minneapolis, for $540 million.

“We are very pleased to welcome the Paddock team to the Perrigo family,” Perrigo chairman and CEO Joseph Papa said. “This acquisition is another important step forward in executing Perrigo’s strategy to expand our specialty portfolio of generic Rx products.”

NEW YORK — Generic drug maker Lupin is seeking approval for a generic version of a contraceptive made by Warner Chilcott, according to published reports.

Reuters reported that Lupin had applied for approval of a generic version of Lo Loestrin Fe (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets), an oral contraceptive.

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — Israeli generic drug maker Taro Pharmaceutical Industries got a big boost in sales and profits during second quarter 2011, according to a financial report released Tuesday.

Taro reported sales of $111.6 million, a 14.2% increase, compared with second quarter 2010. In addition, profits were $35.7 million, a $19.3 million increase over the same period last year.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals had sales of $1.1 billion during second quarter 2011, the generic drug maker said.

In a financial report released Tuesday, Watson said the sales figures for the quarter represented a 24% increase over sales in second quarter 2010. Profit for the quarter was $52.4 million, compared with $70.6 million in second quarter 2010.

“Our record $1 billion in net revenues in the second quarter demonstrates the strength of our combined global generics and global brands strategies,” Watson president and CEO Paul Bisaro said.