Sandoz introduces immunosuppressant in U.S. market

HOLZKIRCHEN, Germany A Swiss generic drug maker has introduced a drug for organ transplant patients in the United States.

Sandoz, the generics arm of Novartis, announced Tuesday the introduction of tacrolimus capsules in the 0.5-mg, 1-mg and 5-mg strengths, a generic version of Astellas Pharma’s Prograf. The drug is an immunosuppressant used to prevent rejection of transplanted livers and kidneys.

“Tacrolimus is an important new product for Sandoz, further strengthening our diverse portfolio of affordable medicines in the key U.S. market,” Sandoz CEO Jeff George said in a statement.

Prograf had sales of $929 million for the 12 months ended in April, according to IMS Health data.