Generics

NEW YORK — Several states are cutting funding to programs that provide HIV medications to people who can’t afford them in an effort to reduce spending, according to a published report.

The Washington Post reported that more than 8,300 people are on waiting lists to obtain antiretrovirals and other drugs that treat HIV, AIDS and related conditions. The Post article highlighted particularly large program cuts in Illinois and Georgia, as well as one proposed for Florida.

HAWTHORNE, N.Y. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic over-the-counter treatment for allergies made by Taro Pharmaceutical Industries.

Taro announced Monday the approval of cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution.

The drug, a generic version of Johnson & Johnson’s children’s Zyrtec, is used to relieve symptoms of indoor and outdoor allergies and is available in a sugar-free bubblegum flavor.

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — A generic drug maker has been granted approval from the Food and Drug Administration to manufacture its version of a urinary tract infection treatment.

Amneal Pharmaceuticals said that its nitrofurantoin oral suspension in the 25-mg/5-mL strength is the first-to-market, AB-rated, generic version of Furadantin, which is made by Shionogi Pharma.

Amneal will sell its generic in 8-oz./230-mL size bottles, the company said.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Generic drug maker Par has inked a definitive agreement to acquire an India-based developer and manufacturer of generic drugs.

Par said it will acquire Edict Pharmaceuticals for up to $37.6 million in cash and Par's repayment of certain additional pre-close indebtedness. Par noted the acquisition is subject to customary conditions and approvals; the drug maker expects to complete the transaction by the end of the year.

SUPPLIER NEWS — The FDA has approved a new treatment for Type 2 diabetes, the agency said. The FDA announced the approval of Tradjenta (linagliptin) made by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and German drug maker Boehringer Ingelheim.


PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for epilepsy made by Mylan.

Mylan said Monday that the FDA had approved its divalproex sodium capsules in the 125-mg strength. The drug is a generic version of Abbott’s Depakote Sprinkle capsules and is used to treat certain types of epileptic seizures.

Divalproex sodium capsules had sales of about $89 million during the 12-month period ended in March, according to IMS Health.

The $290 billion that poor medication adherence costs the U.S. economy every year cuts across every imaginable disease state, but one in which it can be particularly problematic is mental health.


DUBLIN — Sandoz is looking to market a generic version of a Shire drug for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.