Greenstone, Eisai to launch authorized generic of Aricept

PEAPACK, N.J. The generics division of Pfizer will sell an authorized generic version of a drug used to treat dementia.

Greenstone said Wednesday that it had agreed with Eisai to launch donepezil hydrochloride tablets, an authorized generic of Aricept. The drug is used to treat dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. Eisai makes the drug under a partnership with Pfizer.

“We are excited about the opportunity to work with Eisai to introduce this important authorized generic to patients,” said James Cannon, Greenstone’s VP business alliances. “First and foremost, our goal is to provide donepezil hydrochloride tablets to the broad customer base, and we also strive to remain competitive with other potential generic versions of the product.”

Unlike generic drugs, which are marketed in competition with their branded counterparts and must undergo an abbreviated regulatory approval process through the Food and Drug Administration, authorized generics are essentially branded drugs marketed under their generic names with the authorization of the original drug’s manufacturer and often through third-party companies.