Dr. Reddy's launches generic osteoporosis drug

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched zoledronic acid injection in the 5 mg-per-100-mL strength, the Indian generic drug maker Thursday.

The drug, launched following its approval by the Food and Drug Administration, is a generic version of Novartis' Reclast and is used to treat osteoporosis. Reclast had sales of $355 million during the 12-month period that ended in February, according to IMS Health.

The launch follows last month's launch of zoledronic acid injection in the 4-mg-per-5-mL, a generic version of Novartis' Zometa, which is another version of the drug used to treat the cancer multiple myeloma and cancers that have spread to the bones.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misstated the strength of Dr. Reddy's generic version of Zometa. The story has been corrected.