Actavis can launch generic version of Crestor in 2016, under deal with AstraZeneca

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Generic drug maker Actavis has reached a deal with AstraZeneca that will allow it to launch a version of a drug used to treat cholesterol in three years, Actavis said Monday.

Under a deal to settle a patent-infringement lawsuit, Actavis will be allowed to launch its generic version of Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) tablets in the 5-mg, 10-mg, 20-mg and 40-mg strengths 67 days before July 8, 2016, when the drug's market exclusivity for use in children expires, at a fee of 39% of net sales to AstraZeneca.

Actavis also can launch rosuvastatin zinc alternate salt starting on May 2, 2016, but the company said it had made no decision regarding a potential launch.

"This agreement ensures that consumers will benefit from an earlier launch of a rosuvastatin calcium product and eliminates ongoing litigation and uncertainty of marketplace acceptance of a non-generically substitutable product if Actavis had proceeded to launch the alternative product," Actavis president and CEO Paul Bisaro said.

Crestor had sales of $4.4 billion in 2011, according to IMS Health.