Sun Pharma launches Generic Exelon(R) in US
Sun Pharma announced launch of generic Exelon(R), Rivastigmine Tartrate capsules for the US market. Earlier, USFDA had granted final approval for the Company's ANDA to market these products.
These generic rivastigmine capsules are therapeutically equivalent of Novartis Exelon(R) Capsules and include four strengths: 1.5 mg (base), 3 mg (base), 4.5 mg (base) and 6 mg (base). These strengths of Exelon(R) have annual sales of approximately USD 130 million in the US. Sun Pharma, being one of the first-to-files an ANDA for generic Exelon(R) with a para IV certification, shares a 180-day marketing exclusivity.
Rivastigmine tartrate is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type and for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson's disease.
Pfizer launches Prevanar-13 for pneumonia-prevention
Global pharma major, Pfizer has launched a pneumonia-prevention vaccine, Prevanar-13, in the Indian market. Pfizer's recently acquired subsidiary, Wyeth, will be handling the product in India. The company currently sells the new version of Prevanar in 30 countries.
The vaccine offers protection from pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis, but the pricing may prove to be a dampener in India at nearly Rs 12,000 for a three-dose course. Similar vaccines from other pharma companies are priced much lower.
India records over 3.71 lakh infant deaths due to pneumonia annually, the vaccine has very good prospects as around 25 million births occur in the country every year.
While its earlier vaccine Prevenar 7 was widely accepted with 300 million doses sold globally, experts say its success in India has been limited owing to narrow disease profile along with the high cost also a reason why it is still pending to be included in the national immunisation programme.
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