Teva launches authorized generic of Seasonique

JERUSALEM — Teva Pharmaceuticals has launched an authorized generic version of a contraceptive made by Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Teva said.

Teva announced the launch of Camrese, an authorized generic of Duramed’s Seasonique (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets and ethinyl estradiol tablets).

The launch of Teva’s authorized generic follows the launch of Watson Pharmaceuticals’ generic version of the drug, which it is marketing under the name Amethia.

An authorized generic is a branded drug sold in generic-like form at a reduced price, usually through a third-party company. Authorized generics provide a way for a branded drug’s manufacturer to compete with the generic manufacturer on price during the legally mandated six-month market exclusivity period, in which the first company to file for generic approval with the Food and Drug Administration can compete directly with the branded company without any additional generic competition.

Seasonique had sales of about $110 million during the 12-month period ended in April, according to IMS Health.