Actavis launches Kadian authorized generic

MORRISTOWN, N.J. — Actavis has launched an authorized generic drug for treating pain, the company said.



The drug maker announced Friday that it had started shipping morphine sulfate extended-release capsules, an authorized generic version of Kadian, which it also manufactures. The authorized generic product was launched on the same day as Watson Pharmaceuticals' generic version.



Authorized generics are branded drugs marketed under their generic names at a reduced price, either by the branded drug's manufacturer or a third-party company through a contractual agreement, as a way to provide the branded manufacturer an additional means of competing against the generic manufacturer during the latter's legally mandated, 180-day market-exclusivity period.



Kadian had sales of $275 million during the 12-month period ended in September, according to IMS Health.