Actavis launches Gemcitabine in EU

Published: 13-Mar-2009

Actavis Group, a global generic pharmaceuticals company, has launched oncology product Gemcitabine in the EU.


Actavis Group, a global generic pharmaceuticals company, has launched oncology product Gemcitabine in the EU.

The drug was launched in eight EU markets in March, including Germany, France and the UK. The product will enter the remaining EU markets as tender cycles permit later in the year. The product has also previously been launched in other markets around the world.

The company said it was a "significant milestone" in its developing hospital business, established two years ago.

Gemcitabine is claimed to be the first major oncology product to be made available by Actavis on the date of patent expiry in Western Europe.

It will be manufactured at two Actavis sites, coupled with three registered sources for APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients).

Scott Richards, European vice-president of Actavis" hospital business, said: "We will be selling this product alongside our growing range of other injectable generic products via our own hospital sales teams around the world and through select partners and distributors in various countries."

The originator product, Lilly's Gemzar, is estimated to have generated around US$1.5bn in annual sales.

Gemcitabine is used in the treatment of a range of cancers, including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer and breast cancer.

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