Sandoz gets OK for generic Yaz

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic oral contraceptive made by Sandoz, the generics arm of Swiss drug maker Novartis said Wednesday.

Sandoz announced the approval of Loryna (drospirenone 3 mg and ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg) tablets, a generic version of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals’ Yaz.

Sandoz is the second company to launch a generic version of Yaz. The company’s portfolio of generic oral contraceptives also includes Altavera (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) tablets, a generic version of Duramed’s Nordette; and Introvale (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) tablets, a generic version of Duramed’s Seasonale.

Branded and generic versions of Yaz had about $578 million in sales during the 12 months ended in February, according to IMS Health.