Teva launches generic version of AbbVie's Zemplar

JERUSALEM — Generic drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has launched a version of a drug used to treat a parathyroid disorder related to kidney disease.

Teva announced Tuesday the launch of paricalcitol, a generic version of AbbVie's Zemplar. As the first company to win Food and Drug Administration approval for the drug, Teva has 180 days in which to compete directly with the branded version.

The drug is an active form of vitamin D used to prevent and treat secondary hyperparathyroidism, a condition that causes increased parathyroid hormone levels, in aptients with Stage 3 or Stage 4 chronic kidney disease and in Stage 5 patients on dialysis.

Zemplar had sales of about $115 million during the 12-month period that ended in June, according to IMS Health.