Par begins shipping two strengths of generic Lotrel

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Par Pharmaceutical has started shipping a generic version of a hypertension drug, the company said Monday.

Par announced the shipment of amlodipine besylate and benazepril hydrochloride capsules in the 5-mg/320-mg and 10-mg/320-mg strengths. The drug is a generic version of Novartis’ Lotrel, which has annual sales of $361 million in the two strengths, according to IMS Health.

As the first company to file for approval of a generic version of Lotrel, Par has 180 days in which to compete directly with the branded drug under the Hatch-Waxman Act of 1984.