Teva, APP develop generic Gemzar

JERUSALEM — Generic drug makers Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and APP Pharmaceuticals have launched their version of a chemotherapy drug, the two companies said Wednesday.

Teva and APP launched gemcitabine hydrochloride injfection in 200-mg and 1-g single-dose vials. The drug is a version of Eli Lilly’s Gemzar, which had sales of about $785 million in the United States in 2010, according to IMS Health. The drug is used to treat cancers of the lungs, pancreas, breasts and ovaries.

Under the agreement, APP will manufacture the drug, while Teva will market it. Teva was the first company to win approval for a generic version of Gemzar, entitling it to 180 days of market exclusivity in which to compete directly with the branded version.