Eli Lilly's chemotherapy drug granted tentative approval by FDA

ROCKVILLE, Md. The Food and Drug Administration has given tentative approval to a generic version of Eli Lilly & Co.'s chemotherapy drug Gemzar, agency records show.

The FDA issued the tentative approval Monday to Hospira's 2 g gemcitabine hydrochloride injection. The drug is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian, breast cancer and others. 

Gemzar had worldwide sales of $1.6 billion in 2007, according to Lilly financial data. According to the FDA Orange Book, the drug will lose patent protection next year.