Meitheal intros 2 generics
Meitheal Pharmaceuticals recently launched two new generics.
The company released alprostadil injection 500 mcg/ml single-dose vials to the U.S. market, where only an ampoule form is offered. The product is the generic of Pfizer’s Prostin VR, which is in ampoule form.
“Meitheal is proud to expand its portfolio of sustainably manufactured and affordably priced generic injectables with the introduction of Alprostadil Injection, USP in vial form,” said Brett Novak, the senior vice president of commercial operations at Meitheal. “Amid ongoing product shortages, we are committed to accelerating the availability of critical medicines and launching the sole vial presentation for the 500 mcg/mL strength, which may offer healthcare providers a safer alternative for handling and administration to patients.”
Alprostadil Injection is a vasodilator used for palliative therapy to temporarily maintain the patency of the ductus arteriosus until surgery can be performed in neonates who have congenital heart defects and depend on the patent ductus for survival.
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Alternatively, to the glass ampule, Meitheal’s unique offering of the vial form has the potential to offer safer usage and administration of medication, the company said. Glass ampules are widely used to contain injection medications because of their nonreactive properties. However, the contamination of medication contents by glass particles is a common phenomenon following the manual opening of glass ampules, the company noted.
Such contaminated medication, if used, could lead to glass particle circulation in a patient’s blood, which can further lead to complications such as pulmonary emboli, infusion phlebitis, granuloma formation or nodular liver fibrosis. Similarly, the sharp and jagged edges from opening ampules have been documented to cause hand lacerations among healthcare workers, which pose potential risks to tendons and nerves, Meitheal said.
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Meitheal also launched liraglutide injection (18mg/3mL), which is the generic of Novo Nordisk's Victoza.
Liraglutide injection is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Meitheal said the launch of liraglutide injection provides patients with a more accessible GLP-1 treatment option and underscores Meitheal’s commitment to meeting patients’ needs through a sustainable, affordable supply of critical medicines.
“We are pleased to be launching and bringing liraglutide injection to market – an important option for patients with Type 2 diabetes at a time when there is increased demand and limited availability for these medications,” said Tom Shea, CEO of Meitheal. “This generic provides patients with a more accessible GLP-1 treatment option, and we look forward to delivering it to our customers as quickly as possible and ensuring a sustainable, high-quality supply.”
Meitheal has launched liraglutide injection (18mg/3ml) in a three-pack and expects to bring additional pack sizes to market later this year.
Liraglutide injection (18mg/3ml), including generic and branded products, had U.S. sales of approximately $1 billion as of November 2024, per IQVIA.