Prasco enters distribution deal with Shire for kidney disease drug

CINCINNATI — Prasco Labs will distribute an authorized generic for reducing serum phosphate in patients with end-stage renal disease under a contract with Shire, Prasco said Thursday.

The company, which focuses on authorized generic drugs, announced the deal for lanthanum carbonate chewable tablets in the 500-mg, 750-mg and 1,000-mg strengths. The drug is a version of Shire's Fosrenol. Authorized generics are branded drugs marketed under their generic names at a discounted price, usually through a third-party company under contract with the branded drug's manufacturer.

"Today's announcement is the latest example of Prasco and Shire working together to continue providing high-quality prescription options to consumers," Prasco president and COO David Vucurevich said. "Patients and customers alike benefit from Shire's commitment to maintaining the supply of brand-identical medication through the Prasco Authorized Generic business model."