Actavis gets approval for generic Wellbutrin in the United States

Generic drugs company Actavis has received approval from the FDA to market Bupropion Hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) 300mg in the US.

Actavis, a leading generic drugs company based in Iceland, has received approval from the US Food & Drug Administration to market the generic drug equivalent of Wellbutrin XL.

Actavis will begin the distribution of Bupropion Hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) immediately and will be available in 300mg. They are the generic equivalent of Wellbutrin and are used in the treatment of major depressive disorders.

Annual US sales of brand and generic Wellbutrin XL 300mg were US$581 million for the 12 months ending June 2008 according to IMS Health data.

Douglas Boothe, CEO of Actavis in the United States said, “Bupropion XL compliments our existing Bupropion SR offerings and expands the dosage options for our customers and patients. This approval also highlights Actavis Group’s focus and expertise in bringing complex controlled-release technologies to the marketplace.”

Actavis is one of the world’s leading generic drugs companies specializing in the development, manufacture and sale of generic pharmaceuticals. With headquarters in Iceland, Actavis has operations in 40 countries and 11,000 employees.

The United States is the company’s single largest market. Actavis’ US operations are located in New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina and Florida.

More information about Actavis Group can be found at www.actavis.com