Sandoz introduces generic Zosyn

PRINCETON, N.J. Sandoz has launched a generic antibiotic drug, the generics division of Swiss drug maker Novartis said Thursday.

Sandoz announced the launch of piperacillin and tazobactam for injection. The drug is used to treat moderate to severe infections of bacteria resistant to piperacillin alone but vulnerable to the combination of the two drugs.

The drug is a generic version of Zosyn, originally made by Wyeth and now distributed by Pfizer, which bought Wyeth last year. Branded and generic versions of the drug had sales of $797 million during the 12-month period ended in August, according to IMS Health.