Generics

PRINCETON, N.J. — Sandoz has launched higher dosages of its authorized generic version of a hypertension drug, the generics division of Swiss drug maker Novartis said Monday.

Sandoz announced the launch of amlodipine besylate and benazepril in the 5-mg/40-mg and 10-mg/40-mg strengths. The company already marketed the drug in the 2.5-mg/10-mg, 5-mg/10-mg, 5-mg/20-mg and 10-mg/20-mg strengths.

The drug is an authorized generic of Lotrel, marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. An authorized generic is a branded drug marketed under its generic name at a reduced price.

MUMBAI, India — The Food and Drug Administration approved three drugs made by Glenmark Generics last month and gave tentative approval to a fourth, the Indian generic drug maker said.

NEW YORK — This past year saw a lower-than-usual number of new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration, due in part to delays at the agency, according to published reports.

The Wall Street Journal reported that 21 new drugs were approved through the year, compared with 25 in 2009 and 24 in 2008. The lag came in part due to stricter safety regulations, the newspaper reported.

NEW YORK — One door closes; another door, well, closes. And that appears to be good news for Teva. Recent news that the Food and Drug Administration has rejected the drug maker's application for a new indication for multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone likely will mean the agency will not be so quick to approve a generic version of the drug without requiring a generic company to perform full clinical trials.

INDIANAPOLIS — Marsh Supermarkets recently implemented a $3.99/$9.99 generic drug pricing offer for 30-day and 90-day prescriptions, respectively.

The program applies to a designated list of generic drugs at commonly prescribed dosages (higher dosages cost more).

DEERFIELD, Ill., and OSAKA, Japan — Takeda and its subsidiary settled the patent suits it brought against generic drug makers that sought to develop their own versions of its diabetes treatment.

WASHINGTON — A healthcare accrediting organization is revising three products in its Pharmacy Quality Management suite of programs.

URAC said its pharmacy committee approved revisions to its mail service, specialty pharmacy, and workers' compensation and property and casualty for pharmacy benefit management accreditation programs. The products revised include:

• Mail-service pharmacy, version 2.0;

• Specialty pharmacy, version 2.0; and

NEW YORK — A judge recently blocked AstraZeneca from attempting to impede the development of generic versions of its popular cholesterol drug, according to published reports.