Generics

NEW YORK — Sandoz is developing as many as 10 new follow-on biologics, according to published reports.

Reuters, citing an interview with Sandoz head Jeff George in the German newspaper Handelsblatt, said the generics arm of Swiss drug maker Novartis had eight to 10 new biosimilar molecules in development.

JERUSALEM — Drug maker Teva on Tuesday said its North American sales during the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 drove the drug maker's financial well-being.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic cancer drug from Hospira.

The drug maker announced the approval of topotecan injection for treating small-cell lung cancer sensitive disease after first-line chemotherapy has failed.

The drug is a generic version of GlaxoSmithKline’s Hycamtin, which had sales of more than $140 million in 2010, according to Hospira.

MUMBAI, India — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic Alzheimer’s disease treatment from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries.

Sun said Thursday that the FDA had approved its galantamine hydrobromide extended-release capsules in the 8-mg, 16-mg and 24-mg strengths.

The drug is a generic version of Johnson & Johnson’s Razadyne ER, which has annual sales of about $50 million, according to Sun.

AMITYVILLE, N.Y. — Hi-Tech Pharmacal subsidiary ECR Pharmaceuticals has launched a drug for treating insomnia.

ECR announced Friday the launch of Zolpimist (zolpidem tartrate) oral spray. The drug comes in units that provide 60 metered sprays, administering 5-mg or 10-mg doses of the active ingredient. As a hypnotic agent, the drug is classified as a CIV controlled substance by the federal government.

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen on Friday reported revenue of $19.9 billion, up 2.9%, for the first quarter ended Dec. 31.

NORTHVALE, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic weight-loss drug made by Elite Pharmaceuticals.

Elite announced Friday the approval of phentermine hydrochloride in the 37.5-mg strength, a generic version of Teva’s Adipex-P.

Branded and generic versions of the drug had sales of around $40 million in 2010, according to Elite.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging state governments to save money with generic drugs.

In a document released Thursday, HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius urged all 50 state governors to increase the use of generic drugs in their state Medicaid programs.