Generics

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has given tentative approval to a generic drug for HIV/AIDS made by Mylan subsidiary Matrix Labs for distribution in developing countries under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, Mylan said Tuesday.

The tentative approval under PEPFAR covers Matrix’s abacavir sulfate tablets in the 60-mg strength. The drug is a generic version of ViiV Healthcare’s Ziagen, and is used to treat the disease in children.

NEW YORK — The power of a professionally driven social networking and information platform is now within reach of pharmacists and pharmacy students. And students are taking a lead role in its development and growth.


The new network is called Pharmacist Society. It was conceived and developed as a Web-based networking, information and practice tool by pharmacist Ted Search, president of Skipta — a provider of networking technology for health professionals — and by pharmacy students and educators.


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Supplier News — Fera Pharmaceuticals has recently launched two new topical ointments. The New York-based company has developed Ilotycin (erythromycin) and Garamycin (gentamicin) ophthalmic ointments, both for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eye. “Our goal is simple: to keep more quality healthcare choices alive for the people who need them,” company co-founder Frank DellaFera said.


MORRISTOWN, N.J. — U.S. generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals and Indian drug maker Natco Pharma will work together to develop and commercialize a generic drug used for bone marrow disorders, the two companies said Tuesday.

The agreement concerns lenalidomide tablets in the 5-mg, 10-mg, 15-mg and 25-mg strengths. The drug is a generic version of Celgene’s Revlimid, used to treat the plasma cell cancer multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome. Myelodysplastic syndrome results from the bone marrow producing blood cells that are misshapen.

DETROIT — An India-based drug maker is looking to acquire all outstanding shares of another generic drug manufacturer based in the United States.

Caraco said it received and will discuss the proposal from Sun Pharma, by which Sun would acquire all outstanding shares of common stock it doesn't already own.

The $4.75-per-share cash transaction represents a 5% premium over the closing price of Caraco common stock on Dec. 2, Caraco said.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic chemotherapy drug made by Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Sagent said Thursday.

The FDA approved topotecan hydrochloride for injection, a version of GlaxoSmithKline’s Hycamtin. The U.S. market for injectable topotecan was around $158 million in 2010, according to IMS Health.

CHADDS FORD, Pa. — Endo Pharmaceuticals has finished its acquisition of Qualitest Pharmaceuticals for $1.2 billion, Endo said Wednesday.

Endo had agreed to buy Qualitest, a privately owned manufacturer of generic drugs, on Dec. 28.